“The Chinese shipping company Sea Legend Line is poised to launch its container route along Russia’s Northern Sea Route, marking what is being billed as the first regular container service using the Arctic. The company drew worldwide attention in September 2025 when it completed its first trial sailing, which it also claimed as a new speed record between China and Northern Europe.”
“Russia’s Rosatom reported on Friday that it had completed issuing permits for the 2026 season on the NSR, which is ready to start and will run through until November. Rosatom was appointed by the Russian government to manage the entire NSR, and it has established it with 28 unique sections. Ships require permitting to make the transit, which is closely monitored and can be supported with Russian icebreakers.”
“There were a record 23 transits in 2025 of containerships, the Financial Times reports, up from 15 voyages in 2024. However, in the past, the transits have been viewed as demonstrations or one-off voyages as opposed to a regularly scheduled route.”
“According to the reports, Sea Legend will be far from being alone this season on the NSR. China’s Yangpu Newnew Shipping has also been active on the route, including the infamous 2023 trip when its vessel Newnew Polar Bear was charged with severing Finland’s undersea cables. The China Shipowners’ Association has also reported that dry bulk ships will be operating on the NSR this season, calling at both Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, Russia.”