Arctic shipping route could cut transit times for fresh produce

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A container ship has reached the UK from China via the Northern Sea Route, highlighting the potential for shorter Asia-Europe transit times for fresh produce and other temperature-sensitive cargo.

The Dubai Tower, owned by China’s Sea Legend Shipping, arrived at Teesport in northeast England on September 9 after departing Ningbo Zhoushan Port on August 15. The 25-day voyage used the 5,600 km Northern Sea Route along Russia’s Arctic coastline rather than the Suez Canal or the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.

For fresh produce exporters, a shorter Asia-Europe shipping route could reduce the time perishable products spend in transit, potentially affecting shelf life, inventory planning, sourcing, and distribution. The corridor also provides an alternative to shipping lanes affected by security risks in the Middle East.

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An indication of the potential transit-time reduction came from Chinese battery manufacturer EVE Energy, which shipped cargo aboard the Dubai Tower. The company said the Arctic Express service almost halved its maritime transit time to Hamburg, Germany, while reducing carbon emissions per shipment by around 50%.

South Korea is also testing the route. The PanStar Acro departed Busan on August 22 for the country’s first commercial voyage to Europe via the Northern Sea Route. The itinerary includes Felixstowe in the UK, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Gdansk in Poland, with the round trip expected to take around 40 to 45 days.

Commercial activity on the route has increased. According to Norway’s Centre for High North Logistics, 88 vessels completed 103 transits last year, compared with 97 transits in 2024 and 43 in 2022.

For fresh produce supply chains, however, commercial use would depend on schedule reliability, reefer infrastructure, and port handling. Arctic shipping remains affected by changing ice, weather, and navigational conditions, as well as limited infrastructure and seasonal accessibility.

The Northern Sea Route therefore remains under evaluation as an alternative Asia-Europe corridor, with its potential for perishables dependent on whether regular and predictable container services can be established.

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies