Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Hangzhou, September 22 (Xinhua) — The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan today launched the first Arctic express container shipping route to Europe, expanding its cargo shipping route to the Arctic Ocean region for the first time, the port administration announced.
According to Sun Xuejun, Chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., the new route is designed for cross-border e-commerce and high-value-added goods, while also serving as an important outcome of the construction of the "Ice Silk Road" as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
As announced, the new route passes through the Arctic's Northeast Passage, reducing travel time to 18 days to the British port of Felixstowe, compared to 25 days via the China-Europe freight train and 40 days via the Suez Canal. The first vessel traveling along the Arctic Express route to Felixstowe is scheduled to arrive in the British port on October 10. This will set a new record following the launch of the non-stop China-Europe Express sea freight service from Ningbo-Zhoushan to Wilhelmshaven, Germany, in 26 days, at the end of 2024.
According to Zhou Xiaoping, Deputy Head of Customs at the Daxie Marine Terminal, which reports to Ningbo Customs, the cargo on the first voyage included consumer goods, clothing, components, and other products, as well as items from the "new three" list—energy storage modules and traction batteries. Upon arrival at the Port of Felixstowe, the goods will be shipped to various locations in Europe.
“Reducing delivery time helps reduce logistics costs, and the temperature conditions are suitable for temperature-sensitive cargo,” said Li Xiaobin, Chief Operating Officer of Haijie Shipping Limited.
He also emphasized that the reduction in voyage duration also leads to a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the Suez Canal route and a 50 percent reduction compared to the Cape of Good Hope route, which makes a positive contribution to mitigating the effects of global warming.
In 2018, China published its first White Paper on the country's Arctic policy, which stated China's readiness to jointly build an "Ice Silk Road" with all interested parties, based on the development and use of Arctic sea routes.
The Northeast Passage, which carries the Arctic express route for shipping containers to Europe, is one of the main routes of the Ice Silk Road and represents a new international maritime corridor linking East Asia and Europe. It is crucial for optimizing global supply chains and developing trade and economic cooperation.
Li Xiaobin stated that the company plans to commission additional icebreaking vessels by 2026, initially establishing fixed routes within the summer shipping zone. By developing its icebreaking container fleet, the company aims to ensure year-round service on this route.
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