Putin calls for launch of regular cargo shipments via northern sea route next year

President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia should start regular container shipments via the Northern Sea Route across its northern flank from Vladivostok to St Petersburg next year.

Russia is investing in infrastructure to develop the Northern Sea Route and wants it to become a major shipping lane as the Arctic warms at a faster rate than the rest of the world.

Putin was speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok in Russia's far east.