Gov't commissions research to promote use of arctic route: sources

The South Korean government has recently commissioned a research project to explore the potential of utilizing an Arctic shipping route for commercial purposes, sources reported on Sunday. The project aims to evaluate the commercial feasibility of the route, including a survey of shipping companies and logistics firms regarding their interest in using such a route. Establishing a logistics network connected to Northern European ports is also a key objective of the research, according to the sources.

Arctic shipping routes are maritime paths in the Arctic Ocean that link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. For South Korea, these routes could significantly reduce travel time and distance between the country and Europe, cutting it by approximately 35 percent compared to the traditional Suez Canal route. The potential of these routes has gained attention as climate changes make the Arctic Ocean more navigable.

Additionally, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have impacted shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, are further boosting interest in the Arctic routes.

China has shown a particular interest in the Arctic route, having conducted 29 vessel operations within the waterway last year alone. In response, the South Korean government plans to initiate a pilot operation later this month, with the goal of opening a regular service route by 2030. Large-scale container ships are expected to begin operating around 2035.