SEOUL, Oct 11 (Reuters) – A South Korean container ship successfully completed the country's first commercial round trip to Europe through the Arctic on Sunday. This route is expected to help make the port of Busan a global maritime hub.
The PanStar Acro returned to the southeastern port 50 days after departing on August 22. Officials believe that using the Arctic route can reduce travel time by about one-third.
President Lee Jae Myung is prioritizing Arctic shipping, and authorities aim to establish regular services by 2030.
However, this project could create tensions with Western allies who want to keep Russia isolated during its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The route passes along Russia’s Arctic coast, and Seoul consulted with Moscow to discuss the journey, including possible assistance for issues like ice-related obstacles.
On its way to Europe, the ship navigated through Arctic waters, stopping first in the British port of Felixstowe before visiting Rotterdam and Gdansk, and then returning through the Arctic.
This trial voyage also revealed some challenges ahead. Before departure, PanStar mentioned it was aiming for about 1,300 twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo, but ultimately departed with only 737 TEU of cargo and empty containers.
Experts say the success of the route will depend on dependable schedules, the costs associated with slowdowns to avoid ice, specialized insurance rates, and increased fuel consumption.