Kommersant reported Monday that Novatek, Russia's biggest producer of liquefied gas, had sent its first LNG cargo via the Northern Sea Route, to Asia. The data was based on Kpler and Gecon consulting.

According to the newspaper, the Arc7 gas carrier Eduard Toll and the nuclear-powered Sibir Icebreaker left with a cargo of LNG from the Yamal LNG Plant on June 21, heading for China.

The Northern Sea Route stretches from Murmansk, near the border between Russia and Norway, eastwards until it reaches Bering Strait in Alaska.

The route, although physically difficult, could reduce sea transport times from Europe to Asia at a moment when Russia's business with Western countries has reached a post-Cold War low following Moscow's decision of sending troops into Ukraine.

Although the NSR is significantly shorter than Suez Canal it still requires icebreakers in order to assist vessels as they pass along the northern coasts of Russia. (Reporting and editing by Louise Heavens, Vladimir Soldatkin)