Economic development of arctic coal deposits: features of maritime transportation

The characteristics of current and future trends of global coal production and consumption are presented. The coal reserves of the Russian Federation are considered for the main coal basins, including those located beyond the Arctic Circle. The analysis of the main parameters and trends in the implementation ofprojects for the development of Arctic coal fields was performed. There is given the estimation of competitiveness of the coal, extracted in the Russian Arctic, on the world energy markets. There are analyzed issues of sea transportation of coal along the Northern Sea Route, including the features of icebreaking of its export to the countries of Europe and Asia-Pacific region. The needs ^ for a ^ fleet of bulk carriers to ensure the export of planned volumes of coal have been assessed. Based on the results of the study, key conclusions are drawn on the persistence of the trend in the growth of coal consumption in the world, the high competitiveness of coal produced in the Arctic fields, the significant economic effects of coal mining projects in the Russian Arctic, the need to expand the fleet of bulk carriers with a prospective increase in coal shipment and the need for icebreaking support of coal export. Recommendations are given for the further development of the project for development of the fields of the license area "Malaya Lemberova River".