Russia has the capacity to keep the Northern Sea Route open year-round and through all seasons, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said at a plenary session of the 5th International Forum ‘The Arctic: Present and Future'.

"I believe that many of Russia's prospects and competitive advantages rest with the Northern Sea Route. It's important for us to make sure that the organizations and agencies that are responsible for the Northern Sea Route and also the Northern Sea Route administration don't simply perform their management functions but also generate ideas and initiatives on how to keep the Northern Sea Route open all year and in any season through technology," TASS quoted Rogozin as saying.

He also said that all types of transport including aviation, river navigation and rail should be involved in Northern Sea Route development models. Rogozin quoted the president as saying in his state-of-the-nation address that the Northern Sea Route is to become a link between Europe and Asia-Pacific. "It is half as long, more accessible and a safer route. Nor are there Somali pirates in the Arctic," the deputy prime minister said.