Russia to further its Arctic shelf claim

Research ship Akademik Fyodorov. Photo: RIA Novosti

The Russian research ship Akademik Fyodorov is on its way to the Arctic to ascertain the borders of Russia’s continental shelf.

According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, if Russia proves that the Lomonosov Ridge and the Mendeleyev Ridge are the extension of its shelf, the country will receive the right to the development of huge oil and gas fields in the area.

Russia’s Arctic bid is expected on the UN’s table in early 2014.