Murmansk Conference to Address Raising Dangerous Objects in Arctic Seas

Murmansk will host the conference “Raising Submerged and Dangerous Objects in the Seas of the Arctic Ocean” on 25–26 July as part of the plan of events for Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023, which are being organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

The conference includes a business programme as well as a scientific and educational expedition in Kola Bay to the site of the B-159 submarine wreck, which occurred in 2003 as the vessel was being transported for disposal. During the first day of the event on 25 July, the participants will discuss issues concerning the dismantling of the most hazardous submerged objects containing nuclear materials, the inspection of submerged objects, the results of a federal programme for the comprehensive dismantling of nuclear submarines, and how to handle the B-159 nuclear submarine. Expected participants in the conference include Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Arctic Senior Officials Nikolay Korchunov, representatives of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic, Rosatom State Corporation, the Kurchatov Institute, and other specialized organizations.

On the second day of the conference on 26 July, the participants will take a tour of Kola Bay on the ship Klavdiya Elanskaya and hear presentations on various topics, including “The Military History of the Northern Fleet” and the submission of proposals for the B-159 stationary monitoring system. They will also learn about Atomflot’s activities to support the operation of the Northern Sea Route. The conference organizers will also conduct a demonstration of possible options for supporting vessel lifting operations.

The event is being organized by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic and Rosatom State Corporation.

Environmental protection, including issues related to climate change, is among the top priorities of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. Considering the rapid climate change being seen in the Arctic, including the degradation of permafrost and the emission of gas hydrates, Russia believes the primary objectives for mitigating the negative effects of climate change are to further adapt life-sustaining activities and ensure resilience to its consequences, preserve and restore the environment, use natural resources in a sustainable manner, and support the health of Arctic ecosystems, including the marine environment and the preservation of biodiversity, in particular migratory birds.

A live broadcast of the event will be available on the official website of Russia’s chairmanship: https://arctic-council-russia.ru/en/events/izmenenie-klimata-i-ekologiya-arktiki/konferentsiya-podem-zatoplennykh-radioaktivnykh-i-opasnykh-obektov-v-moryakh-severnogo-ledovitogo-ok/.