Influence of the bottom relief on the formation of the navigable routes network in the water area of the Northern Sea Route

The paper is devoted to the study of the influence of the bottom relief on the formation of the navigable routes network in the water area of the Northern Sea Route. A brief historical overview of the main stages of mapping the bottom relief of the Arctic seas in the interests of the Arctic shipping development is given. The results of the bottom relief survey are summarized. A high degree of hydrographic knowledge of the coastal routes, intended for use by vessels with a draft of 6-7 meters in summer, is noted. The navigation and hydrographic conditions for the development of the navigable routes network intended for large-capacity vessels with a large draft are determined. Data on the cartographic study of the water area of the Northern Sea Route, basic information on the depths distribution over the Arctic seas area, as well as information on areas with insufficient hydrographic study, are given. The principles of formation of the shipping routes network of large-tonnage vessels in the water area of the Northern Sea Route are formulated. Recommendations on aligning the level of hydrographic knowledge into line with the requirements of navigation safety of large-tonnage shipping at promising projects implementation are presented. The results of research can be used for planning the hydrographic works and the development of a promising network of shipping routes in the Arctic basin.