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China Launches 18-Day Arctic Shipping Route to Europe Amid Global Trade Turmoil

Published: Sep. 25, 2025 2:43 a.m. GMT+8

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The “Istanbul Bridge” departs from Ningbo Port on Sept. 23, 2025, bound for U.K.’s Felixstowe in 18 days. Photo: CCTV

A Chinese cargo vessel carrying about $200 million worth of solar panels, battery systems and e-commerce goods has set sail for Britain on a new Arctic route, underscoring Beijing’s bid to diversify global trade lanes amid geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions.

The ship, the Istanbul Bridge, departed from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Tuesday morning, bound for Felixstowe, the U.K.’s largest container port. The vessel, with a capacity of nearly 4,900 containers, is expected to complete the journey in just 18 days via the Northeast Passage through the Arctic Ocean.

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A Chinese cargo ship, Istanbul Bridge, began a new Arctic route to the UK, carrying $200 million in goods and cutting travel time to 18 days.
The China-Europe Arctic Express is the first container route linking China and Europe via the Arctic, reducing distance by over a third compared to the Suez Canal.
China and Russia promote Arctic shipping as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but challenges include unpredictable weather and limited infrastructure.

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Who’s Who

Sea Legend Line Ltd.: Sea Legend Line Ltd. is the operator of the "China-Europe Arctic Express," the first Arctic container route linking China and Europe. Registered in Singapore, the company secured an international liner license from China's Ministry of Transport in 2023. They plan to invest in more ice-strengthened container ships by 2026 for weekly services.

NewNew Shipping Line: NewNew Shipping Line, a Chinese private shipping company, initiated regular Arctic voyages between Shanghai and St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2023. They later introduced an "Arctic Express 1" line to Arkhangelsk, Russia, and partnered with Moscow to build five specialized ice-class vessels.

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What Happened When

Since 2017：: China and Russia have jointly promoted the 'Polar Silk Road.'

2018：: Beijing released its Arctic policy white paper, describing the 'Polar Silk Road' as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

2023：: NewNew Shipping Line began regular Arctic voyages between Shanghai and St. Petersburg and launched 'Arctic Express 1' to Arkhangelsk, also partnering with Moscow to build five ice-class vessels.

2023：: Sea Legend Line, registered in Singapore, secured an international liner license from China’s Ministry of Transport.

2024：: A 'China-Europe Express' rail route to Germany was opened, taking 26 days per journey.

By 2025：: The Arctic navigation season has extended to as long as five months due to retreating sea ice.

Early 2025：: During the Red Sea crisis, Sea Legend Line rerouted its Mediterranean service and operated under protection from Chinese naval escorts.

Mid-September 2025：: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated Beijing's intention to work with Russia and Arctic stakeholders to promote sustainable development and safeguard stability in the Arctic.

September 23, 2025：: The Istanbul Bridge departed from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, China, for Felixstowe, UK, marking the launch of the China-Europe Arctic Express via the Northeast Passage.

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