Polar Cruising AS is starting a boat route between the Norwegian and Russian settlements on Svalbard, after the recommendation of the Russian state-owned company Trust Arktikugol. That is reported by Svalbardposten.

"The route will strengthen the transport offer on Svalbard by offering a regular route with fixed timetables, as well as helping to take care of social tasks and emergency preparedness. Especially with regard to various activities (mining, tourism and hunting) that exist on Svalbard," writes owner and managing director of Polar Cruising AS, Wegar Jakobsen, in the application for the boat route license to the Ministry of Transport.

Polar Cruising will transport people between the Russian settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden and Longyearbyen according to fixed timetables throughout the summer. The company has not received a response to the application, but will still start the route on Monday. There are no requirements for a boat route permit in Svalbard.

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