A single transport and logistics operator for the Northern Sea Route will be established in the near future, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said at a joint meeting of the Marine Board and the State Commission for Arctic Development, TASS reported.

"We need to create a qualified and competent operator in the near future. I would ask the Transport and Defense Ministries to address this issue and submit a general proposal to us," he said.

According to Rogozin, a single operator will be responsible for all issues related to the Northern Sea Route, including the placing of shipbuilding orders.

"First, we should join efforts, create an operator and then fully support its activity, including ensuring orders and using it to carry cargo," he said.