On September 2, a Chinese cargo vessel successfully sailed out to the Arctic Circle to complete its maiden voyage through the ‘Polar Silk Road’.
What happened?
The COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers Co owned Chinese cargo vessel ‘Tian En’ was enroute from Norwegian Sea to France’s Port of Rouen.
The vessel sailed through heavy seas in recent days and operation of the ships elevator was suspended for safety concern.
Completes maiden voyage
The ship’s maiden voyage through the Arctic’s Northeast Passage began after it crossed the Bering Strait on August 17, a waterway that has been nicknamed the ‘Polar Silk Road’.
Captain Chen Xiangwu, referring to the Arctic’s Northeast Passage said, “It is the shortest route linking northeast Asia and northern Europe, and more importantly it’s a safe one”.
The Arctic Circle route brings some obvious challenges such as icebergs and pack ice.
Polar Silk Road
In a white paper declaring its Arctic policy early this year, China pledged to further cooperate with other countries to jointly build a ‘Polar Silk Road’, as part of the Belt and Road initiative.
Zhang Li, deputy general manager of the company said, “The Polar Silk Road is turning into a golden route and COSCO SHIPPING is avoiding causing pollution along the waterway. The ship’s waste is deliberately sorted and handled so that we can help build a green Polar Silk Road”.
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Source: COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.
