Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday authorized the construction of a new nuclear-powered icebreaker, as Moscow aims to boost commercial trade through its Arctic north.

Facing Western sanctions for its aggression in Ukraine, Russia is hoping to use the Northern Sea Route — a shipping lane that crosses the Arctic Ocean — to increase trade with Asia by reducing distances and costs.

The new icebreaker, named the Leningrad, will “participate in the most vital exploration and research projects in the Arctic” and also support trade, Putin said in a speech at a shipyard in St. Petersburg.”