Russian cos' commitments for shipping via Northern Sea Route remain in force, but transit an issue - Deputy PM Trutnev

MOSCOW. Oct 31 (Interfax) - Russian companies' obligations regarding shipping along the Northern Sea Route remain in force, but questions are arising around transit shipments, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev told reporters after a meeting of the State Commission for the Arctic, which he chairs.

"As for the volume of shipments along the Northern Sea Route, I'll be honest, the situation is fairly tense, foremost due to transit, since transit along the NSR, meaning cargo shipments to other countries, has fallen this year," Trutnev said.

"Russian companies' obligations, however, remain the same as they were laid out and signed by companies on one side and the government on the other. Therefore, overall, we're assuming that the objectives set by Russian President Vladimir Putin will be fulfilled," Trutnev said.