Putin suggests thinking about tariffs for icebreaker escort of cargoes to make it more accessible

MOSCOW. Nov 6 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested thinking about tariffs for icebreaker escort of cargoes to make this more accessible.

Putin said during the Chukotka nuclear-powered icebreaker's launch ceremony by video link that plans to develop Arctic territories and increase cargo flows along the Northern Sea Route depended directly on bolstering the country's icebreaker fleet.

"As you know, we have ambitious goals here. A lot of work lies ahead. With this in mind I suggest convening a special meeting on this subject in the future, going through in detail, preparing and having a comprehensive discussion of all issues related to the Northern Sea Route's long-term development, and coming up with concrete, substantive solutions," Putin said.

"We need, for example, to think about making tariffs for icebreaker escorts of cargoes more viable, so that more carriers and shippers can have the opportunity to use such services, especially given that interest in this route among both Russian and foreign companies is growing by the year, and I am sure it will continue to grow," he said.