Shipping lines go cool on Arctic Ocean route

The Venta Maersk’s 2018 voyage marked the first container ship journey from Asia to Europe via the Northern Sea Route, suggesting a shift in shipping patterns due to climate change. However, seven years later, the route remains underutilized, with only 3 million tonnes of cargo transported compared to the Suez Canal’s 1.57 billion tonnes in 2023, as shipping lines cite economic, geopolitical, and environmental risks. While some smaller operators are exploring the route, major companies like Maersk continue to rely on established hubs, limiting the Northern Sea Route’s potential.