Water transport in the European North of Russia: social significance, challenges and perspectives of development

• Main Authors: Marina Nenasheva, Julia Olsen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Northern Arctic Federal University 2018-11-01
• Series: Арктика и Север
• Subjects: : inland water transport; river navigation; social significance; the Arkhangelsk Oblast; European North
• Online Access: http://www.arcticandnorth.ru/upload/iblock/75c/04_Nenasheva_Olsen.pdf

This article is devoted to the analysis of the water transport in the European North of Russia. Using the case of the Arkhangelsk Oblast, we present the main challenges and perspectives of river navigation development in light of the area’s history and current situation. Our research shows that, historically, water transport has played an important role in the social and economic development of the Arkhangelsk Oblast and held a leading position in the transportation system. However, due to the transition to a market economy in the 1990s, river traffic lost its competitive advantages. The study presents statistical data showing the negative trends of the passenger inland water transport development. The lack of the state involvement in industrial management has led to the deterioration of the water transport quality and its infrastructure. Despite existing challenges, however, water transport still plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the Russian North. In recent years, various levels of government have discussed the revival of the river navigation and improvements in its use for regional development. The article discusses prospects for overcoming the existing negative trends in the development of water transport. The focus is made on its connection with the industrial development of the Arctic and the cultural potential of the region.