Gdańsk receives first China–Europe container ship via Arctic shortcut

A container ship reached the Polish port city of Gdańsk via the Northeast Passage, completing a first-of-its-kind express run from China that halves transit times to 18 days and avoids high-risk waters.

To maintain year-round reliability when the Northern Sea Route is closed in winter, the operator plans an “East Europe Express” setup that pairs a Suez Canal sea leg with rail delivery to Central European terminals, targeting a 25-day China-to-Europe transit.

Photo: Jose Luis Stephens/Shutterstock

The 294-meter “Istanbul Bridge” entered the Polish port on Sunday after sailing from Ningbo-Zhoushan on Sept. 23 with cargo including energy-storage modules and e-commerce goods. It is the first container vessel to complete the China-to-Europe route through the Arctic’s Northeast Passage.

The voyage followed the Northern Sea Route along Siberia’s coast, cutting typical Asia–Europe transit from about 40 days to roughly 18. The lane also bypasses areas exposed to piracy and political instability, improving transport security.

Preparations for the inaugural sailing took more than three years, covering fleet upgrades, crew training, and development of advanced meteorological and navigation systems required for Arctic conditions. Despite adverse weather in the North Atlantic that briefly reduced speed, the ship arrived in Europe on schedule.

To maintain year-round reliability when the Northern Sea Route is closed in winter, the operator plans an “East Europe Express” setup that pairs a Suez Canal sea leg with rail delivery to Central European terminals, targeting a 25-day China-to-Europe transit.

(jh)

Source: PAP