Russian lawmakers OK Northern Sea Route bill in second reading
The draft law "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation regarding the state regulation of merchant shipping in the waters of the Northern Sea Route" successfully passed on June 22, 2012 the second reading vote in the Russian State Duma. The bill prepared by the Ministry of Transport and introduced by first deputy Chairman of the Transport Committee Michael Bryachak.
The bill establishes the Northern Sea Route Authority and sets the rules of navigation on the shipping lane.
The law would create a single management system in the waters of the Northern Sea Route and the modern infrastructure that could ensure safe navigation of vessels in the Arctic seas, including navigational and hydrographic support and icebreakers escort.