A pilot series of 6,000-TEU ice class containerships are to be built, said Rusatom Cargo ship building director Alexander Bryntsev in addressing an industry conference.

Rosatom expects to announce a tender to design the vessels by the end of 2021. The cost of the vessels will depend on the design, said Rosatom investment direcctor Yekaterina Lyakhova.

Earlier this year, Rosatom signed an agreement to develop Northern Transit Corridor as a viable and sustainable route between Asia and Europe with Dubai's DP World.

Under the agreement, the parties will establish a joint venture, which will invest in, build and operate transport and logistics capacity along the Northern Transit Corridor.