Chinese shipping company Sea Legend Line launched its first regular Arctic shipping route on Saturday, traveling over 3,400 miles along Russia’s northern coast from Ningbo to Felixstowe in the U.K. Known as the « Ice Silk Road, » the route takes approximately 20 days compared to 40 days via the Suez Canal. This alternative emerged following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz after U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in February, compounded by Houthi threats disrupting Red Sea traffic. Climate change has extended the navigable season, transforming the Northern Sea Route from a summer-only passage to one accessible for several months annually. Only 23 container ships used the NSR last year, up from 15 in 2024, raising questions about its economic feasibility and reliability.
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