The government of Russia has allocated over two billion rubles for completing the North Pole platform, due to start operating in the Arctic, next year. This total sum will also make it possible to conduct the platform’s mooring tests and trial runs.

“Roshydromet is to get over 2.1 billion rubles for completing the North Pole platform, due to navigate the Arctic. The funding will be allocated in 2021 and 2022. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has already signed the relevant directive,” the government’s press service said in a statement.

Under this plan, the self-propelled platform will either be deployed on ice-floes, or it will navigate open stretches of water. This will make it possible to resume long-duration expeditions that were suspended in the early 2000s, due to climate change.

“The entire platform will be over 83 meters long. These dimensions will make it possible to increase the platform’s complement and to accommodate more equipment than traditional drifting stations. It will be used to conduct scientific research which is important for understanding global climate change processes and for drafting and implementing Arctic development plans and those to facilitate the Northern Sea Route operations. The platform’s design also stipulates a helipad,” the government’s press service added.