
China continues to look for shorter and faster routes to Europe, and Arctic sea routes are attracting increasing attention. In September, the first commercial container ship set off from the port of Ningbo in China to Western Europe, using the Arctic route. If this trial proves successful and is adopted by major carriers, trade between Asia and Europe could become faster and more efficient.
The first voyage is being carried out with the container ship Istanbul Bridge, which has a capacity of 4,890 TEU. It will stop at Felixstowe in the United Kingdom, then continue on to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Hamburg in Germany, and Gdańsk in Poland. The journey from China to the first European destination could take only about 18 days. In comparison, ships using the Suez Canal usually reach Europe in 45–50 days. The route around Africa takes even longer.
A niche solution
The new Arctic route is currently considered a niche solution. It is mainly intended for high-value and time-sensitive cargo, such as electronics and precision products, where fast delivery is crucial. Experts emphasize that this approach is not yet ready for large-scale commercial use, as challenges remain, including harsh climate conditions and limited support infrastructure along the route. However, interest in shorter and more efficient transport is growing, which could drive the development of new solutions in the future.
New opportunities for the Baltic States
This new direction is being closely monitored by logistics companies in Northern Europe and the Baltic States. Gdańsk is becoming an increasingly important hub, which could significantly facilitate cargo flows to Latvia as well. If the Arctic route establishes itself as a regular alternative, it could accelerate deliveries from Asia while retaining the cost advantages of sea transport compared to rail.
ACE Logistics Latvia is following these developments to provide its clients with the most beneficial solutions, should stable and reliable opportunities to use new Arctic routes emerge on the market. A shorter transit time means faster delivery and greater flexibility – especially important for companies working with high value-added goods.