Splash247: Murmansk completes first China-Arctic roundtrip cargo experiment

Published by Splash247

Russia’s Murmansk Bulk Terminal has completed loading 26,400 tonnes of potash aboard a NewNew Shipping Line vessel, as part of a new China-Russia logistics experiment via the Northern Sea Route.

The ship arrived in Murmansk from China carrying 502 containers of automotive components. After discharging at Murmansk Commercial Sea Port, it shifted to the neighbouring bulk terminal, where the potash was loaded for delivery to Southeast Asia.

The experiment is designed to solve one of the perennial problems facing new Arctic services: finding commercially viable cargo in both directions. The potash cargo also gives Russian producers another route to Asian markets outside traditional Baltic export corridors.

NewNew began regular Northern Sea Route sailings in 2023 and subsequently teamed with Rosatom on plans for five ice-class containerships capable of operating year-round.