Arctic shipping hits record high with nearly 3 million tonnes of cargo in 2024

By Elías Thorsson December 10, 2024
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A nuclear-powered icebreaker assures safety for a LNG carrier sailing north of Siberia en route to Asia. (Rosatomflot via The Independent Barents Observer)

gCaptain reports that Arctic shipping reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with the Northern Sea Route (NSR) facilitating 97 transit voyages carrying nearly 3 million tonnes of cargo. This marks a significant increase from previous years, as the strategic importance of Arctic maritime routes grows annually.

  • Trade between Russia and China dominated these transits, accounting for approximately 95% of the cargo. China received about 1.9 million tonnes of crude oil via the Arctic—a 30% increase over the previous year.
  • The NSR saw nine bulk carriers transporting close to 900,000 tonnes of iron ore, coal, and fertilizers, exclusively from Russia to China.
  • Container shipping experienced a notable surge with 17 voyages, including 14 between Russia and China. For the first time, Panamax container ships, capable of carrying up to 5,000 containers, utilized the Arctic route instead of the Suez Canal.
  • Russia’s fleet of nuclear icebreakers played a crucial role in maintaining navigable passages, especially during challenging ice conditions in August, September, and October.