China launches first ship to Europe via Arctic route

(Daily Sabah) China will deliver its first supplies to the European market using a new Arctic sea route.

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Instead of the usual journey south, a Chinese cargo ship is sailing north along Russia's icy coastline on a shortcut that could cut travel times between Asia and Europe nearly in half. If all goes smoothly, the voyage will take just 18 days.

Until now, vessels carrying Chinese goods had to navigate the Strait of Malacca, cross the Indian Ocean, and squeeze through the Suez Canal, a 30 to 40-day haul in good conditions. The Arctic route slashes that nearly in half, linking Chinese ports through Russia's northern waters to key European hubs. Fewer days at sea mean lower costs, fewer chokepoints and faster deliveries - a potential game-changer for time-sensi-tive cargo and global trade.