Analysis of Murmansk as a gateway for the Arctic production

International audience; The Western Russian Arctic seabed, due to the huge quantity of oil and gas, is subject to numerous investment and drill like in the Yamal peninsula with the port of Sabetta. Extreme climate conditions and remoteness impact negatively the cost of transportation of raw materials and so the use of ice or polar class vessels due to the ice. In order to give to Murmansk, the role of transshipment Hub for oil and gas coming from Arctic fields, investment have been made to update existing infrastructure and implement new one. However, if we are aware of the origin of the cargo, the destination is more complex to define. The aim of this article is to analyze, the way Murmansk is integrated in the global maritime network. To do so, we use the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to visualize the different typology of vessel. Even if Murmansk is originally a port mainly dedicated to coal exportation, the coming investment increased the amount of crude oil handled, hence we decided to focus on tankers, container and dry bulk vessels. In order to stress the impact of NSR development on Murmansk, we looked at its input and output evolution since 2010. This evolution is analysed in comparison with the price of commodities. In conclusion, the future competitiveness of the Murmansk port complex is discussed, considering other comparable investment forecasted on deep-water greenports like Arkhangelsk as well Kirkenes, both promoted as future strategic gateway to Western Russia, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe markets thanks mainly to efficient projected railways & roads networks.