New express via Arctic to enhance ties with Europe

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port launched the China-Europe Arctic Express — the world's first regular container service linking China with Europe through the Arctic Ocean — on Monday, enhancing the country's supply chain resilience and safety.

On Monday, containership Istanbul Bridge departed from Beiyi Container Terminal at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang province, embarking on its first voyage to Felixstowe, the United Kingdom's largest container port. The event marked the official opening of the China-Europe Arctic Express.

The new route drastically shortens the shipping time between major Chinese and European ports, and sets a new speed record for China-Europe shipping. "The direct transit time from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to Felixstowe is only 18 days, compared to over 25 days by China-Europe Railway Express; over 40 days via the Suez Canal and over 50 days around the Cape of Good Hope," said Li Xiaobin, chief operating officer of Hong Kong SAR-based Sea Legend Shipping Pte Ltd.

"This greatly enhances supply chain speed, reduces required business inventory by 40 percent and cuts capital costs for businesses."

The route also offers a safer and more stable alternative. "It passes through politically and economically stable regions, reducing risks such as piracy, congestion and conflict spillover," Li said. The express also cuts carbon emissions by about 50 percent compared to traditional detours.

Goods aboard the inaugural voyage include a wide range of products from daily necessities to high-value items such as energy storage cabinets and power batteries. "The cargo on board covers a wide range of categories. Once it arrives, it will be distributed across Europe," said Zhou Xiaoping, deputy director of Ningbo Customs' Daxie branch.

Customs authorities have implemented streamlined procedures to support the new route. "We provide full-process paperless logistics clearance and green channels to ensure fast turnover," Zhou said.

For exporters like Sigenergy, the express service provides a reliable logistics solution. "We are shipping household energy storage equipment, with each container valued at about $300,000," said Zhou Chujing, the company's logistics procurement manager. "We chose this route mainly for its favorable transit time, which greatly benefits our entire marketing chain."

Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co Ltd, said the route "effectively reduces the risk of blockade or restriction, ensures greater transport autonomy and safety and promotes diversified trade patterns."

Sun said the route marks a leap forward by Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in the expansion of its global network, which now covers the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and Arctic oceans.

The China-Europe Arctic Express not only offers a faster, greener shipping option but also reinforces China's commitment to opening up new international logistics corridors under the Belt and Road Initiative.

chenye@chinadaily.com.cn