Chinese Companies Boost Use of Arctic Route for Faster Trade with Europe

Chinese shipping companies are increasingly looking to the far north in search of faster trade routes to Europe. One notable example is NewNew Shipping, which completed 13 voyages along Russia’s Northern Sea Route last year. A big step up since they started to use the route back in 2023.Since then, the company has continued to expand its Arctic operations, signaling growing interest in this once-rarely used corridor.

Currently, two NewNew-operated vessels — NewNew Polar Bear and NewNew Star — are actively transiting through the Arctic. According to maritime tracking service ShipAtlas, this northern route can reduce travel time by 10 to 20 days compared to the traditional passage through the Suez Canal, offering significant logistical and economic advantages.

In addition, the 2,500 TEU feeder vessel Hui Da 9, operated by Fujian Huihai Shipping Co. Ltd., is navigating the same Arctic passage en route to Rizhao, China (see image below).

Seasonal Challenges and Climate Considerations

While the route offers considerable time savings, it remains highly seasonal and is typically navigable only during a limited summer window. However, melting sea ice and the development of ice-class vessel technology are gradually extending the shipping season. The increased use of the Northern Sea Route also brings geopolitical implications, as it aligns Chinese shipping activity more closely with Russian Arctic infrastructure and strategic interests.

Russia's Control Over the Route Raises Geopolitical Stakes

The entire Northern Sea Route (NSR) lies within Russia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and its use is tightly regulated by Russian authorities. Vessels transiting the NSR are required to obtain permits from the Russian government, and many rely on Russian icebreaker support for safe passage. This gives Moscow significant control over the flow of commercial traffic and highlights the strategic nature of Arctic shipping. The growing use of the NSR thus not only carries commercial implications but also geopolitical ones, as it aligns Chinese maritime activity more closely with Russian Arctic infrastructure and interests.

With global shipping costs and timelines under pressure, the Arctic corridor presents an increasingly viable alternative for cargo carriers looking to gain a competitive edge.

As infrastructure improves and ice conditions become more predictable, the Arctic may continue to grow in importance as a strategic link between Asia and Europe.

‍