The Northern Sea Route, the ice infested sea lanes running north of Siberia, passes some of the world's largest deposits of oil and gas. Several multimillion dollar research programmes have investigated the route's commercial, technological and commercial feasibility. This book presents and assesses the results of these researches.

Its readership includes all those interested in the NSR, whether as a business opportunity or an object of research or environmental concern.

Notes on Contributors. Abbreviations. Foreword
C.L. Ragner. Introduction: The Northern Sea Route -- What is it, and why should the international maritime community care about it? C.L. Ragner. Session 1: Opening Session. Session 2: The Northern Sea Route Basics: What is Known? What is Needed? What is Possible? Session 3: INSROP's Main Findings. Session 4: The INSROP Simulation Study. Session 5: The Commercial Advantages and Disadvantages of the Northern Sea Route. Session 6: Actual Experience of Northern Sea Route Navigation. Session 7: Technology and Infrastructure for the NSR. Session 8: Securing a Stable, Profitable and Responsible Administratieve Regime for the Northern Sea Route -- Political Problems to be Solved. Sessions 9 and 10: Parallel Workshops. Session 11: Closing Session. Special Session: The Northern Sea Route's Importance for the Development of the Northern Russian Regions. Selected Additional Papers.