Cargo turnover plan of 40 mln tonnes for NSR in 2024 accounts for volumes of Arctic LNG 2, Russia can provide exports - Novak

MOSCOW. March 29 (Interfax) - The cargo turnover plan along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) is about 40 million tonnes for 2024, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

"We are counting on reaching a level of about 40 million tonnes," Novak said.

As reported, cargo transportation along the NSR increased to 36.2 million tonnes in 2023.

Novak said that cargo transit particularly would rise from 2.15 million tonnes in 2023 to 2.5-3 million tonnes in 2024.

Novak also said that the planned cargo turnover volumes include volumes from the Arctic LNG 2 project.

"Of course, yes, this does take into account that these volumes will be at a plus compared to last year," Novak said, without specifying when LNG shipments from the Arctic LNG 2 project would begin. "This is a question for the company; the company is engaged in these matters and negotiations," Novak said.

Novak expressed confidence that the project, which is subject to U.S. sanctions, will be able to resolve the problem with tankers and, accordingly, with exports of produced gas.

"We have our shipbuilding industry, we have friendly countries, and we will implement these plans and tasks to ensure exports. Yes, this is real," Novak said, declining to comment in more detail, because "unfriendly countries pay special attention to these issues."