The article examines the problems and modernization prospects of the port infrastructure in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in the context of the implementation of strategic plans for the development of the Northern Sea Route. At present, the geo-economic significance of the Arctic is on the rise. This is facilitated by climate change and an increase in international interest in the region's transit potential. The article aims to identify systemic limitations and develop scientifically sound directions for the development of the port industry. The article analyzes the key constraints: extreme natural and climatic conditions, technological backwardness and physical deterioration of the ports of the Soviet period, economic risks aggravated by external restrictions and environmental requirements. As a methodological basis, the article proposes the concept of forming a functionally specialized hierarchical network of ports, including support hubs for consolidating transit flows, resource terminals and logistics points. The necessity of parallel deep modernization of existing facilities (Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Pevek, and Tiksi) and the construction of new terminals (Indiga, Ur Bay, etc.) is proved. Special attention is paid to technological imperatives such as digitalization (creation of a unified management platform for the Northern Sea Route) and the introduction of automated systems and environmentally friendly bunkering technologies (liquefied natural gas, low-sulfur fuels). The issues of fleet classification and ship parameters, which are critically important for the design of port infrastructure, are considered.