China to Europe in around 20 days – by sea?
A new option for Asia-Europe freight is about to enter scheduled service.
Sea Legend is launching its CAX China-Europe Arctic Express with eight consecutive weekly sailings via the Northern Sea Route. The first vessel is scheduled to depart Ningbo on August 15, reaching Felixstowe in around 20 days, with onward connections to selected European ports including Hamburg, Rotterdam and Gdynia.
Compared to conventional routes via the Suez Canal or the Cape of Good Hope, that is a significant difference.
For time-sensitive cargo, the Arctic route could therefore create an interesting additional option alongside established ocean, rail and air freight solutions.
But a shorter route does not automatically mean a simple one. The service is seasonal, conditions in the Arctic remain challenging and its reliability in regular operations will be one of the key factors to watch.
A new route. A new option. And definitely one to keep an eye on.