Chinese firm to launch Arctic shipping route till October
Sea Legend tested the route last year, completing the first China-to-Europe container ship transit via the frigid Northern Sea Route along Russia's coast.
China's Sea Legend shipping company is set to launch the first weekly container service through the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR) this Saturday, operating until October 3. The company tested the route last year, completing a China-to-Europe journey in 20 days, compared to the Suez Canal's longer transit time. Sea Legend's vessel, Dubai Tower, will depart Ningbo for Felixstowe on Saturday night.
The NSR saw a record 23 container transits in 2025, up from 15 the previous year. However, several major shipping companies, including CMA CGM, MSC, and Hapag Lloyd, have pledged to avoid regular routing in the Arctic due to the risks of accelerating ice melting. Though shorter transit times can be achieved through the Arctic, analysts note that increased vessel traffic poses significant risks and potential environmental impacts.
The 8-week service represents less than 0.1 percent of annual container volumes between East and Southeast Asia and North Europe.
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