South Korea has launched its first container shipping trial along the Northern Sea Route to assess the Arctic corridor’s potential as an alternative trade route between Asia and Europe.
According to the South Korean government’s official Korea.net website, the 2 758 TEU PanStar Acro departed Busan on August 22 carrying 837 TEU of chemical products, used vehicles, automotive parts and empty containers.
The vessel is scheduled to call at Felixstowe in the UK, Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Gdańsk in Poland during the estimated 45-day voyage.
The trial is part of South Korea’s plans to establish a regular commercial Arctic shipping route. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will use the voyage to assess transit distance and time, fuel consumption and operating costs.
The Arctic section of the voyage covers approximately 6 400 kilometres.
The Northern Sea Route is attracting interest as an alternative to conventional trade lanes between Asia and Europe through the Middle East and the Suez Canal, according to Korea.net.
The South Korean government believes the route could shorten sailing distances between Northeast Asia and Northern Europe.
The findings will inform policies and measures to support the route’s future development.
