The Russian state-owned stake in Murmansk Shipping Company (MSCO) will be privatised by the end of 2013. MSCO assets are composed of fleets of three shipping companies: Murmansk Shipping Company (Murmansk), Northern Sea Shipping Company (Arkhangelsk) and Northern River Shipping Company (Arkhangelsk). The company handles up to 80% of all cargo transported via the Northern Sea Route, reports Barents Nova. Privatisation of a state-owned 25.5% stake will be completed by the end of 2013 reports Barents Nova citing a recent meeting of the Transport Ministry.