Second Chinese container ship attempts historic Arctic transit

Following the successful Arctic crossing by a Panamax container ship two weeks ago, a second vessel of the same class, the NewNew Panda, has embarked on a similar journey from China to St. Petersburg, Russia, reports gCaptain. This route significantly reduces travel time compared to traditional routes, marking a key development in Arctic shipping and global trade.

• Chinese shipping company Torgmoll dispatched the 4,363 TEU NewNew Panda from Nansha, China, on September 19, attempting an Arctic crossing without any ice classification.
• The vessel is the largest conventional container ship to try the Arctic route, with permission to navigate ice-free waters along Russia’s Northern Sea Route from October 1-15.
• The Northern Sea Route saves up to 40% of the distance compared to traditional routes via the Suez Canal or around Africa, highlighting its emerging importance for China-Russia trade.
• Besides container ships, crude oil tankers have increasingly used the Arctic route this summer, carrying millions of barrels from Russia to China, indicating a broader shift in Arctic shipping.