WITH Gulf turmoil slashing Suez Canal traffic, shipping firms are tempted to try the Arctic for quicker trips between Europe and Asia — but commercial prospects are unlikely to match countries’ strategic ambitions for the North Pole.
Container ships from China and South Korea aim to transit the Northern Sea Route in Russian territorial waters in the coming weeks, testing its viability as climate change keeps the passage free of ice longer each year.
Industry experts remain sceptical, saying that even if more vessels start going through, the bulk of global shipping will remain along established lines for the foreseeable future.
Houthi rebels in Oman have disrupted traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait by attacking vessels heading to and from the Suez Canal.
Many operators now avoid the passage and send ships instead around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, vastly prolonging the journey between Asia and Europe and driving up fuel costs and emissions.
AFP
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