Main environmental problems in the development of the Northern Sea Route

For the Russian Arctic regions, as well as for Russia as a whole, the Northern Sea Route is the main socio-economic artery which sure development of sea cargo shipping. Time for the voyage from eastern Asia to Western Europe has been reduced by a one third compared the southern route through the Suez Canal. The main advantage of the Russian Federation at usage of the Northern Sea Route is the possibility of icebreaking support. Russia is the only power that has a nuclear-powered icebreaking fleet under. If the cargo turnover increases along this route, problems associated with environmental contamination will inevitably arise. The priority direction for the development of the Northern Sea Route should be the development of both safety of the navigation and prevention of the Arctic extreme pollution. The article purpose is to analyze the main environmental problems that arise at the growth of cargo shipping along the Northern Sea Route.