The vessel Istanbul Bridge docks at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. [Photo/Yongpai App]

The maiden voyage of the China-Europe Arctic Express route concluded as its first cargo vessel docked at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on Dec 6.

The journey, lasting nearly two months and spanning more than 10 stops, marks the opening of a new corridor for China-Europe trade and a major step in building the "Ice Silk Road".

The vessel Istanbul Bridge, carrying 4,890 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), is the largest container ship ever to cross the Arctic Ocean. Departing Ningbo-Zhoushan on Sept 23, it reached Felixstowe, UK, in just 20 days via the Northeast Passage, before stopping at Hamburg, Gdansk, and Rotterdam.

The route's launch followed three years of preparation, including vessel upgrades, polar crew training, and advanced meteorological navigation. Arctic conditions posed severe challenges — volatile seas, shifting ice, and frequent fog — while crossing 12 time zones tested crew endurance. To ensure safety, the team conducted early ice assessments, adjusted routes in real time, and implemented scientific shift schedules alongside psychological support.

European ports praised the efficiency of the maiden voyage. Captain Zhong Desheng recalled a proud moment in Hamburg when the ship's arrival was formally announced, and China's national anthem was played. He emphasized Ningbo-Zhoushan Port's crucial role as both a departure and a return hub, providing comprehensive services and efficient cargo handling.

Hong Kong SAR-based Sea Legend Shipping Pte Ltd, the route operator, plans to normalize seasonal operations by 2026, sustaining the route's ongoing development.