SOCHI, February 27. /TASS/. The first stage of the Arkhangelsk deepwater port will go operational by 2025, the region’s Governor Igor Orlov told TASS on Monday during the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi.

"We have filed a declaration to Rosmorport (sea ports authority), and in 2025 we want to have the first stage go operational: this is the timeline we are discussing with potential investors," he said.

Geology and drilling works continue now on the site, the governor said.

The Arkhangelsk deepwater port is a potential backbone infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route. Across the White Sea the port has a direct access to the ocean, thus granting independence of navigation from whatever political conditions. Construction of the port is a part of the Russian transport strategy to 2030. The new port will offer a more attractive alternative route for exported and imported goods to Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific region (first of all China), and will offer an independent exist for large vessels into the World Ocean.

Construction of a new deepwater port in Arkhangelsk is connected with the Belkomur railway project to cut transportation distance for cargoes from the Urals and Siberia by 800km.

This year’s forum in Sochi focuses on three major topics: "Projects for Life," "Improving Business Performance: Opportunities for Growth," and "New Regional Policy: Opportunities for Development." TASS is the forum’s general information partner and official photo host agency.