The service will offer an 18-day transit, nearly halving the 30 to 50 days typically required via the Cape of Good Hope route. The inaugural voyage will be undertaken by the 4,890 TEU vessel Istanbul Bridge, calling at Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Gdansk. The ship, previously named Flying Fish 1, completed an Arctic voyage in 2023 and is currently operated by Sea Legend’s partner, Safetrans Line, which specializes in Russian routes.
Sea Legend aims to attract high-value, time-sensitive cargo, such as electronics and fashion, by offering faster delivery and improved supply chain efficiency. The company stated that the single voyage planned for 2025 is already fully booked, reflecting strong market demand for quicker transit options.
Laurent Cohen, a spokesperson for Sea Legend, emphasized the service’s potential, saying: “This Arctic route allows us to deliver cargo in half the time of traditional routes, enabling businesses to optimize inventory and meet tight delivery schedules.” The initiative aligns with the company’s strategy to provide innovative shipping solutions for global trade.
The NSR’s viability is enhanced by seasonal ice reduction, though navigation remains limited to summer. Sea Legend’s expansion into this route builds on its experience operating Chinese-flagged vessels with enhanced security measures, developed during the Red Sea crisis. The company collaborates with Russia’s Rosatomflot, which supports NSR operations through icebreaker assistance and navigational services, ensuring safe and efficient passage.
This service supports the growing demand for efficient trade routes, facilitating exports from China to Europe. By offering a faster alternative to traditional shipping paths, Sea Legend strengthens global supply chains while contributing to the development of the Arctic as a viable commercial corridor.
