Russia's closed-end mutual investment fund, Quark, has acquired a 50% stake in Nord Star, the company that operates the Arctic White Sea port of Vitino, located in the Beloye More settlement, approximately 260 km south of Murmansk. This strategic investment underscores Quark's commitment to enhancing operations along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which is increasingly vital for shipping and trade in the Arctic region. The Vitino port serves as an important hub for transporting goods, particularly for industries like fishing, shipping, and resource extraction. By partnering with Nord Star, Quark aims to bolster the port’s capabilities, improve logistics, and facilitate increased cargo traffic through the NSR. This investment reflects a broader trend of growing interest in Arctic infrastructure as nations seek to tap into the region's economic potential.