Russia and China will train Specialists for Maritime Navigation in Polar Regions
Hangzhou, November 4, 2025 – Russia and China will jointly train specialists for navigation in polar waters, according to a memorandum signed during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to China, the Russian Ministry of Transport announced on its Telegram channel.
The Russian prime minister visited Hangzhou, in East China’s Zhejiang Province, from November 3 to 4 to attend the 30th regular meeting between the heads of government of both countries, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The agreement highlights the shared commitment of Russia and China to deepen their cooperation in commercial shipping and to train professionals for operating vessels along the Northern Sea Route. The development of this route is part of Russia’s national project “Efficient Transport System,” the ministry noted.
According to Russian Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin, the memorandum aims to improve the safety of navigation in Arctic waters, protect the lives of seafarers, and preserve the marine environment in ice-covered regions.
Chinese specialists will be trained according to international standards at leading Russian maritime universities – the Maritime State University and the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping in St. Petersburg.
In addition to theoretical courses, Chinese seafarers will receive practical training using specialized simulators in Russia to ensure they are well prepared for the challenging conditions of polar navigation.
Earlier, in an interview with the television channel Rossiya 1, the Russian transport minister described the first transit voyage of a Chinese vessel to Europe via the Northern Sea Route as a “major achievement.”
At a regular press conference of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in September, a reporter asked about the importance of the Northern Sea Route for China and future cooperation with Russia. Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China, as an important participant in Arctic affairs, adheres to the principles of respect, cooperation, mutual benefit, and sustainability. The goal, he said, is to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Arctic.
China is ready to work together with Russia, other Arctic states, and interested countries to advance the development and exploration of Arctic shipping routes while ensuring environmental protection, Lin added.
Marcel Schütz, PolarJournal