I recall seeing a fleet of Russian nuke ice breakers. Some are so old they are retired.
https://youtu.be/VJcnuZB4Xt4?t=95Which country has the most icebreakers?
Russia is by far the largest operator of icebreakers in the world today, with an astounding fleet of 37 icebreaker ships, and several more either planned or already under construction.Feb 5, 2022
https://t.me/geopolitics_live/14575🇷🇺🇮🇳 Development of Vladivostok-Chennai route is priority for India: Deputy Minister for Far East & Arctic Development Anatoly Bobrakov
“If today cargo through the Suez Canal takes 40 days to reach Russia, then through the eastern corridor this time will be reduced to 24 days, by 40%, and this proves the need for the development of this corridor. The important aspect here is that they consider the eastern corridor as an alternative to the existing corridors, and a safe alternative,” the deputy minister explained.
India also continues to show interest in the Northern Sea Route, while its government says the route will reduce the delivery time of goods to Russia by 16 days.
https://t.me/ZradaXXII/30877Ice is "melting"
Due to the activity of the Houthis, the trade route through the Suez Canal is shrinking, and carriers have to sail all the way around Africa. Although there is the Northern Sea Route, which is much faster than the usual route through the Red Sea. Russia has put lots of efforts to make it working.
There was one problem - the harsh conditions of the far north and the need for icebreakers. But... It seems there is progress in this.
Russia's nuclear power giant and DP World from the UAE have signed an agreement to create a container ship specifically for Arctic conditions. Thus, most of the problems will be eliminated.