The economic development of the regional area of the Kara Sea: features of icebreaker providing navigation

The paper presents a retrospective of historical and economic development of the waters and coast of the Kara Sea. The estimation of major minerals' reserves as well as the possibility of mining, especially oil and gas, in difficult Arctic conditions has been considered. The structure of sea lanes in the aspect of raw materials transportation using icebreakers has been substantiated. Some approaches to the diversification of routes and means of transportation of Arctic natural resources and ways of fleet modernization have been determined