Why the Arctic sea route has become so important for China and Russia

Since Chinese container ships began using the Northern Sea Route three years ago, the Arctic shipping lane has gained global significance. The 5,600km route stretches Russia's Arctic coast from the Barents Sea to the Bering Strait. As the polar ice rapidly melts due to climate change, the route is becoming more accessible each year, while Russian oil and gas projects in the region have also boosted its appeal.

China's maritime strategy, as a global economy seeking a route free of Western chokepoints, is also a driving force behind the increased interest in the Arctic route. In 2013, a Chinese cargo vessel operated by the state-run Cosco Group became the first to sail through the Northern Sea Route, and by 2024, some 38 container ships were making the journey from Chinese ports to Russia or northern Europe as part of a regular service.

In 2025, vessel traffic along the Northern Sea Route has more than doubled since 2019, with disruptions in global shipping due to the Iran war, Red Sea attacks, and other chokepoints making alternative routes more appealing. The Northern Sea Route, operational from July to October, offers a much faster journey from China to St. Petersburg or other European ports compared to the Suez Canal, which takes around 45 days via the Suez Canal or about 60 days via the Cape of Good Hope.

China and Russia are working together to increase transits through the route, with the Chinese government setting up an information platform for the Northern Sea Route and annual meetings between Russian company Rosatom and China's transport ministry. The transport of energy products, especially liquefied natural gas, from Russia to China relies heavily on this route, making it strategically important for China's energy supply security.