The Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) has drafted a bill granting Rosatom the right to exercise supervision and control over ship navigation along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The document has been published on the federal draft legislation portal.

The explanatory note says that Rosatom may be authorized to organize the passage of ships to the NSR waters, adopt decisions on the opening of NSR seaports and approve leasing regulations for the ports' infrastructure. Under the bill, Rosatom would also determine rules for the provision of services and the list of port dues at NSR seaports.

In addition, the bill authorizes Rosatom to accept applications and issue permission for the passage of ships along the NSR, monitor weather, ice and navigation conditions, coordinate the installation of navigation equipment, work out recommendations for the mapping of shipping lanes and the use of icebreakers, and provide assistance in organizing search and rescue operations.

Once adopted, the bill will make it possible to significantly boost the development of the NSR as a national transportation artery in the Arctic. January 2018 has been set as a likely date for the bill to come into force.