Its advantages?
The NSR faces far fewer risks than the route around Africa
It offers a shorter shipping path
The risk of piracy is minimal
Insurance costs are lower
Russia can ensure security along the route
"The situation in the Middle East has significantly boosted demand for hydrocarbons," Fadeev says. "Today, the NSR is becoming not just a channel for exporting Russian hydrocarbons, but a key shipping route for delivering raw materials to markets—especially in the Asia-Pacific region."