China’s NewNew Shipping Line Invests Billions in Arkhangelsk Port Expansion

China’s NewNew Shipping Line has recently announced a significant investment to support the construction of new port facilities at Arkhangelsk, a crucial seaport located at the western end of the Northern Sea Route in Russia’s Arctic region.

Arkhangelsk, situated near the mouth of the Dvina River on the White Sea, plays a vital role in connecting western Russia with consumers and industries. Despite being icebound in winter, the port serves as a gateway to Moscow and St. Petersburg, thanks to its proximity to the Northern Sea Route and the Severnaya Railway network.

According to regional governor Alexander Tsybulsky, plans are underway for a major expansion of Arkhangelsk’s seaport, aiming to triple its throughput by 2040. NewNew Shipping Line has shown interest in this development project, with a proposed investment of up to $2.5 billion to acquire a 30 percent stake in the port.

NewNew Shipping Line, which initiated a container route along the Northern Sea Route in 2023, has been profitable and is looking to expand its operations. The company plans to introduce larger ships and collaborate with Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom to develop Arc7 ice class container vessels for enhanced navigation in the icy waters of the Arctic.

The establishment of an expanded deepwater container terminal at Arkhangelsk would not only facilitate faster transit times for NewNew’s container ships but also support Russia’s goal of promoting year-round navigation between Russia and China via the Northern Sea Route.

President Vladimir Putin’s administration considers the Northern Sea Route a strategic priority for enhancing supply chain security and fostering economic development along Russia’s northern coast. The collaboration between NewNew Shipping Line, Rosatom, and other partners underscores the growing importance of Arctic maritime trade routes in global commerce.