According to the Port of Gdynia, the cargo on board included, among other things, energy storage systems, batteries and photovoltaic components. The port also notes that the Arctic route can cut transport times between Asia and Europe by up to half compared with the traditional route through the Suez Canal. This means a voyage of 20–25 days instead of 40–50.

Dubai Tower (IMO: 9433066) is a Liberian-flagged container ship built in 2010. It is 175 metres long and 27 metres wide, with a capacity of 1,740 TEU. Its voyage began on 12 August.

As Sea Legend previously reported, a total of eight voyages from China are planned, with departures scheduled weekly through the end of September. The final vessel operating under the service is expected to reach the Baltic in late October, bringing the season to an end due to weather conditions. It is expected to complete the European leg of the seasonal passage on 27 October.

Given the unstable situation in the Middle East, particularly along the route through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, many carriers and other industry players are looking at the Arctic route, known as the Northern Sea Route. For the time being, however, it is being viewed more as an alternative, particularly because its use is heavily dependent on weather and environmental conditions, as well as the geopolitical situation. Russia inevitably plays an important role here and is also seeking to benefit from the route. This involves not only the use of the shipping route itself, but also access to Russian infrastructure and support, including icebreakers capable of navigating through the thick ice that can cover the Arctic. This raises questions over the extent to which political factors could disrupt plans for the route linking Asia and Europe.

Even if the use of the Northern Sea Route remains no more than a seasonal alternative, it is worth noting that Polish ports are located along this route. In addition to Gdynia, another vessel, PanStar Acro, also called at Gdańsk today after crossing the Arctic. The first call by a container ship using this route at the latter port took place in July this year. There have also been announcements from further carriers planning to use the route and call at Polish ports.

Photos: Port of Gdynia Authority press release