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Arctic Route Operators Expand Capacity as New Carriers Enter Market

Established Northern Sea Route players are strengthening their positions while fresh competitors prepare to launch Arctic operations. Rosatom and its joint venture Northern Sea Route Shipping Line are finalizing orders for five 4,800 teu Arc7-class vessels capable of breaking first-year sea ice. The diesel-electric ships are designed by United Shipbuilding Corporation. Rosatom, which oversees NSR infrastructure, aims to enable weekly sailings throughout the season and position the route as a Suez Canal alternative. The operator has granted Chinese carrier Sea Legend Shipping permits for eight China-Europe Arctic transits during the July-November season. Regional expansion is accelerating. South Korea's Panstar Line completed a test voyage with the 2,758 teu Panstar Acro, departing Busan on August 22 and reaching Rotterdam. Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and broader Middle East conflicts are driving renewed interest in the northern passage.