India’s presence in Russia’s Arctic region has grown stronger, with Indian-bound cargo leading the cargo handled at Murmansk Port this year. The ice-free Murmansk Port, situated on the Kola Peninsula along the Barents Sea coast, serves as a crucial hub. Vessels navigate the port year-round, benefiting from its strategic location about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow. The port’s capabilities span various areas including commercial and fishing berths, ship-repair yards, and oil terminals. The Kola Peninsula, a vital economic area in northwest Russia, is rich in natural resources and proximity to significant Barents Sea gas fields.
Prelims pointer
- Murmansk Port: One of Russia’s largest ice-free ports, Murmansk Port is situated on the Kola Peninsula along the Barents Sea coast. It serves as a crucial hub for cargo and ships, operating year-round due to its ice-free nature. It facilitates various functions, from commercial and fishing berths to ship-repair yards and oil terminals.
- Kola Peninsula: Located in northwest Russia, the Kola Peninsula is a vital economic region within the circumpolar North. Rich in natural resources such as minerals and fish, it’s strategically located near the significant gas fields of the Barents Sea. It also hosts a substantial population, industrial complexes, and military infrastructure.
- Barents Sea: The Barents Sea is a marginal sea in the Arctic Ocean, situated between Russia’s Kola Peninsula and Norway’s northern mainland. It holds substantial reserves of oil, natural gas, and fish resources, making it a valuable economic and geopolitical area.
- FSUE Atomflot: FSUE Atomflot is a significant entity in the Murmansk region, responsible for managing and servicing Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation through icy Arctic waters.
- Circumpolar North: Refers to the region encircling the North Pole, which includes the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding landmasses. It holds unique environmental, economic, and geopolitical significance due to its resources, climate change effects, and growing global interest in Arctic affairs.
