Shtokman project as model for Arctic cooperation

Governor of Murmansk Oblast, Yuri Yevdokimov, fears an escalation of military tensions in the Arctic following the growing focus on shelf resources. The answer is cooperation and consolidation of joint forces, Mr. Yevdokimov said in a recent conference. He believes the Shtokman project can serve as model for Arctic cooperation, with Russian, French and Norwegian interests working together.

-Today it is clear that both Norway, Denmark, Canada and the USA stand united against Russia’s claims for additional shelf territories, in order to give their companies access to the Arctic resources, the governor said, adding that there now also is a trend with military buildup in the region.

The governor also said that Russia “must be prepared for any development scenario” in the region.

Amid all focus on hard power relations, it must not be forgotten that military confrontation must not be seen as the only solution for a region with such extensive investment demands as the Arctic, he added. He believes in good international cooperation and joint forces - like in the Shtokman project.

Governor Yevdokimov spoke at a recent international conference on offshore oil and gas development organised by Gazprom subsidiary VNIIGAZ, the Murmansk regional administration reports in a press release.