Expansion of Arctic Shipping Service 2025: NewNew Shipping Line’s Bold Move

Chinese box carrier NewNew Shipping Line announced an expansion of its Arctic service for 2025 at the inaugural Russian-Chinese logistics conference “#Containers” in Moscow. Last year, the company completed thirteen voyages between Shanghai and Arkhangelsk via the Northern Sea Route, carrying over 20 000 TEU, although adverse weather conditions shortened the season. For instance, early sea ice formation in the Chukchi Sea curtailed operations by around six weeks.

In 2023, seven voyages were carried out from July to December, transporting about 9 500 TEU. However, that season was not without controversy when NewNew’s vessel NewNew Polar Bear was suspected of damaging the Balticconnector pipeline while dragging its anchor.

Looking ahead, NewNew Shipping plans to deploy larger box carriers on its “Arctic Express No. 1” service and is preparing to introduce five ice-capable container ships under construction at a Chinese yard. The company noted that its Arctic operations in 2024 were profitable and expects to extend the navigation period into early June and late December.

Another operator, EZ Safetrans Logistics, has not yet disclosed its plans for 2025. Safetrans Line gained attention last year by sending the first-ever Panamax container vessel into the Arctic, which notably operated as close as 750 nautical miles from the North Pole. The navigation season in early summer typically begins at the end of June, with Russia’s Northern Sea Route Administration noting that permit activity generally increases around May or June.