- Training to focus on Northern Sea Route navigation and safety.
- Joint effort to deepen Arctic cooperation and develop polar technologies.
- Northern Sea Route seen as faster Asia–Europe corridor amid melting ice.
Russia and China have just inked a new deal to train Chinese sailors in Arctic seamanship at Russian maritime universities. This memorandum was signed in Hangzhou during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to China, as reported by the Russian Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport, reports Marine Insight.
Focus on Northern Sea Route Expertise
The program is designed to cultivate skilled professionals who can expertly navigate ships through the Northern Sea Route (NSR). Training will involve a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on simulator practice to get sailors ready for the challenges of polar conditions.
Part of Broader Arctic Cooperation
This announcement came on the heels of the 30th regular meeting between the heads of government from both nations in Beijing. A joint communiqué revealed that Russia and China are looking to strengthen their collaboration on Arctic matters through the Subcommittee on Cooperation on the Northern Sea Route. Their shared objectives include enhancing navigation safety, developing polar ships and technologies, training qualified personnel, and increasing cargo traffic along the NSR to make it more competitive with other global shipping routes.
Strategic Importance of the Northern Sea Route
The NSR, which stretches across the Arctic Ocean between the Pacific and Atlantic, can reduce travel time between Asia and Europe by as much as 14 days compared to the Suez Canal. With Arctic ice melting, this route is becoming increasingly accessible for shipping. Both countries have also agreed to work together on sustainable Arctic development and within international organisations like the Arctic Council.
Training and Safety Priorities
Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin emphasised that the memorandum aims to improve safety in Arctic navigation, protect seafarers, and safeguard the marine environment. Chinese specialists will receive training at top Russian maritime institutions, including the Maritime State University and Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, adhering to international standards. The program will utilise cutting-edge simulators to prepare trainees for real-world Arctic operations.
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Source: Marine Insight
