The Northern Sea Route as a Factor in the Development of the North-West Territories

Relevance of the topic. The Northern Sea Route is an important element of Russia's geopolitical strategy. And despite the sanctions pressure, it continues to develop actively and becomes more and more attractive, especially in the light of events in the Middle East. The Northern Sea Route contributes to the development of cities and territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation from Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, and Naryan-Mar to Tiksi, Pevek and other settlements, through the development of infrastructure and job creation, in accordance with the “Plan for the implementation of the strategy for the development of the Arctic until 2035”. The object of the study is the Northern Sea Route and the territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, located in the North-West. The subject of the study is to analyze the impact of the Northern Sea Route on the socio-economic development of the territories of the North-West of the Russian Federation, referred to the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, as well as to identify the factors that determine its role in ensuring the competitiveness of these territories. The purpose of the study is to analyze the role of the Northern Sea Route in the development of the regions of the North-West of the Russian Federation and its contribution to the socio-economic development of these territories. To realize the purpose of the work the following tasks are defined: to study the history, geographical features of the Northern Sea Route, as well as its current state and prospects of development. to analyze the main factors affecting the volume of freight traffic along the Northern Sea Route; to assess the efficiency of freight traffic along the Northern Sea Route; to identify the key prerequisites for increasing freight turnover along the Northern Sea Route; to conduct SWOT-analysis and develop practical recommendations-proposals to improve the efficiency of the Northern Sea Route. The methodological basis of the work is formed by the methods of statistical, structural-functional, normative-legal, retrospective analysis, methodology of system analysis, system and comparative approaches. The following key conclusions were made in the process of solving the set tasks: - The Northern Sea Route is not unprofitable and its development is possible without state participation, because today one of the drivers of cargo turnover development along this route are private companies such as Nornickel, Rosneft, Gazprom and others, which invest money in the development of mineral deposits in the Arctic zone and build terminals for their shipment and transportation, thus increasing cargo traffic along the route. - An analysis of how the Northern Sea Route is used and how it affects the development of the Arctic zone of the Northwest shows that its efficiency has been steadily increasing since 1996. More and more cargo is transported along this route every year. The plan for the development of the Northern Sea Route until 2035, which was approved by the Russian Government, helps to attract investment to the regions of the Arctic zone. - Transportation via the Northern Sea Route is more profitable not only in terms of time spent on cargo transportation, but also in terms of monetary costs. Thus, the shorter period of chartering a ship, lower fuel consumption and the absence of payment for passage through the Suez Canal and insurance against piracy make the passage through the Northern Sea Route hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper. Summarizing the practical significance of the research conducted within the framework of the VKR, it can be assumed that the obtained material and results can be used in adjusting the strategy of the Northern Sea Route development, as well as a guide to reduce the outflow of population from the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Key words: Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, navigation, circumpolar routes, northern importation, Northern Sea Route.