Developments in Arctic Shipping Operations & Infrastructure

The future opening up of the Arctic as a trade route offers a faster route for some shipments between Europe and Asia and holds the promise of increased trade for ports in the High North of Arctic

countries such as Russia, Norway and Canada. 71 ships carried 1.35 million tons of goods through the route last year, up from 46 vessels with 1.26 million tons a year earlier. Of the international cargo-bearing voyages using the Northern Sea Route 67% involved shipments of oil products.

More goods were shipped from Europe to Asia than the other way around, with more ballast than cargo heading from Asia to Europe. Arctic routes shave close to two weeks off a typical voyage from China to Europe—a trip that usually requires sailing through the Suez Canal.