Russia: “do not create obstacles” with the Polar Code

Russia’s Deputy Minister of Transport Victor Olersky has criticised countries trying to limit or over-regulate shipping in the arctic regions, saying that Russia sees growth of the Northern Sea route as of “paramount importance.”

Speaking at the Danish Maritime Forum, Olersky hit out at those trying to introduce “unfeasible requirements” into the International Maritime Organisation’s Polar Code, which is currently being considered.

The Polar Code is a proposed binding international framework which aims to protect the Arctic and Antarctic. It would replace the voluntary guidelines which are already in place.