Russia and China have signed a new agreement to train Chinese sailors in Arctic seamanship at Russian maritime universities. The memorandum was signed in Hangzhou during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to China, according to the Russian Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport.

The agreement aims to strengthen their partnership in the merchant marine sector and to train skilled professionals who can navigate ships through the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

Under the programme, Chinese sailors will be trained at Russian universities managed by the Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport. The training will include both classroom lessons and hands-on practice using specialised simulators to help them gain experience in polar conditions.

The announcement came after the 30th regular meeting between the heads of government of Russia and China in Beijing. A joint communiqué released after the meeting stated that both countries agreed to deepen cooperation on Arctic issues, including through the Subcommittee on Cooperation on the Northern Sea Route.

According to the document, the goal is to improve safety in high-latitude navigation, develop polar ships and technologies, train skilled personnel, increase cargo movement along the Northern Sea Route, and make the route more competitive compared to other global shipping lanes.

The Northern Sea Route, which runs across the Arctic Ocean and connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, has gained attention for its ability to cut travel time between Asia and Europe by 10 to 14 days compared to the Suez Canal. As Arctic ice continues to melt, the route is becoming more open for shipping.

Russia and China also agreed to work together on sustainable development in the Arctic and to cooperate within international groups such as the Arctic Council.

Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said, according to the ministry, that the memorandum aims to improve navigation safety in Arctic waters, protect seafarers’ lives, and preserve the marine environment in ice-covered regions.

The ministry added that Chinese specialists will be trained according to international standards at Russia’s top maritime institutions, including the Maritime State University and the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping.

The trainees will also practise on modern simulators to prepare for real-life operations in the harsh Arctic environment.

References: russiaspivottoasia, the arctic