A It is possible that a new route will emerge between China and Europe. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Intermodal said: “After a successful maiden trial in 2025, China is set to take another step towards regular container operations via the Northern Sea Route (NSR). Last year, the 4,890 TEU Istanbul Bridge, operated by Chinese-backed Sea Legend Shipping, completed the China-European transport in around 21 days. Based on this corridor, Sea Legend plans to offer a seasonal service of approximately eight voyages per week from From mid-August through October, seven mostly feeder-sized vessels targeting transit times of 20 to 22 days were deployed, representing the first serious attempt toward a liner container service in the Arctic.
According to Mr. Nikos Tagolis, Senior Analyst at Intermodal, “The main advantage of the route is in transit time. By shortening selected journeys between Northeast Asia and Northern Europe by 30-40%, it provides a faster seasonal alternative to the Suez and China-Europe railway routes, with potential fuel and emissions savings compared to traditional routes. This saving is extremely important for goods that value speed over cost: higher-value, time-sensitive goods such as electric cars, batteries and solar equipment, which lead to Delivering them faster frees up capital that would otherwise remain tied up during transport. The ship’s size reflects the volume of cargo and the seasonal nature of the trade, and with neither volume nor time to fill larger ships, the service operates feeders of 1,500 to 5,000 TEU, maintaining a near-weekly pace during the season. The initiative comes amid a gradual and steady rise in NSR activity from 97 in 2024 to 107 in 2025, nearly five times the level of the previous decade. While the transit of container ships increased from 11 to 15.
Source: Multimedia
“Several major economies are moving to expand their presence along the Northern Sea Route,” Mr. Tagulis added. “Russia continues to transport LNG, crude oil, coal and other Arctic commodities to Europe and Asia via the route, supported by an expanding icebreaker fleet and state-backed plans for ports, terminals and emergency response infrastructure. China is testing the route in connectivity between Asia and Europe within the context of the broader Arctic Silk Road, while South Korea is also building operational experience through government-backed test flights. They indicate a more sustained interest.” Shipping in the Arctic.
“This interest has become even more important amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and disruption to global energy and trade flows, a period in which the value of alternative sea routes could exceed their immediate commercial scope,” the Intermodal analyst commented. “The Northern Sea Route is neither a direct response to events in the Strait of Hormuz, nor a broad alternative to the Suez Canal. However, even with seasonal operations and limited volumes, it provides a degree of transportation options and reduces dependence on a small number of sea transit points.”
According to Mr. Tagulis, “The route has potential, but remains currently constrained. Volumes remain marginal compared to existing corridors, and navigation depends on seasonal ice conditions, suitable payloads, specialized crews, and reliable navigational support. Infrastructure is limited across much of the route, with few deep-water ports, safe harbors, bunkering facilities or emergency response capabilities. Use of the Northern Sea Route also requires engagement with Russian administration and, when conditions require, Support Russian icebreakers while imposing sanctions.” Furthermore, higher traffic would increase local emissions, including black carbon, and the potential for an accident in a sensitive ecosystem where extreme conditions could complicate any response.
Source: Multimedia
“For now, the significance of the service is largely illustrative,” Tagulis concluded. “Sea Legend’s schedule reliability provides a test of whether scheduled Arctic operations can be repeated rather than continuing with one-off demonstrations. Successful implementation will represent another step following last year’s Istanbul Bridge passage and, in the medium term, could support niche seasonal trade, generating demand for ice-capable feeder tonnage, navigational expertise and associated marine services. Rising temperatures and retreating ice may also extend the operational window.” Nowadays it is still a niche seasonal corridor, although it is on a slow but steady upward trend.
Nikos Rousanoglou, Global Hellenic Shipping News
