OREANDA-NEWS. On June 19, 2009 Deputy General Director – Head of Logistics Unit of MMC Norilsk Nickel Sergei Buzov will pay a one-day visit to the port of Arkhangelsk, reported the press-centre of Norilsk Nickel.

As an invitee of the Russian government’s Maritime Board, Mr. Buzov will take part in a session devoted to the development of Russian Arctic regions. Under the sponsorship of the Maritime Board and with the support of the Russian Federation Council’s Commission on national maritime policy, the Moscow Forum of Oil and Gas Producers is arranging a scientific and practical exhibition for the session participants to cover the following subject: “Russian Economic Activities in the Arctic Region: Problems of the Maritime Activities Development”.

According to Mr. Buzov’s statement, as a company whose main production facilities are located above the Polar Circle, MMC Norilsk Nickel contributes a lot to alleviating problems of the Arctic region both on its own and in cooperation with other Russian and international organizations.  For example, a proprietory sea fleet was built, which is comprised of five 14500 dwt Arctic-class vessels, each able to transport up to 700 standard sea containers.

Given their ice-reinforcement level, these diesel/electric ships are included in the highest category (marked “arc 7” in the Russian Shipping Registrar). Due to their innovative AZIPOD engines, the ships may go even stern-first through 1.5m-thick ice without ice-breaker support.  All of the ships are equipped with satellite communication terminals which receive detailed real-time information on ice condition from the Saint-Petersburg Institute of Arctic and Antarctic. Helping to select the most optimal routes among Arctic ice fields, these terminals ensure safety, reliability and efficiency of the ships’ autonomous operation.  Availability of its own sea fleet enables the Company to guarantee all-year-round metal deliveries to its customers and environment-friendly cargo transportation in the Arctic seas and rivers.