The cargo vessel Istanbul Bridge arrives in the Netherlands. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The cargo vessel Istanbul Bridge arrived at the Port of Rotterdam on Oct 23 local time, completing the final leg of the China-Europe Arctic Express Route. This marked the successful conclusion of its European journey, which began on Sept 23 from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.

Taking the Arctic Northeast Passage, Istanbul Bridge reached its first European stop — Felixstowe in the United Kingdom — in just 20 days, significantly faster than traditional routes via the Suez Canal (approximately 40 days) or the Cape of Good Hope (approximately 50 days). The vessel then called at Hamburg, Germany (Oct 15), and Gdansk, Poland (Oct 19), before completing all loading and unloading operations in Rotterdam.

Due to varying cargo demands, the vessel will return to China via the Suez Canal, stopping at ports in Egypt and Turkiye, and is expected back in early December.

Hong Kong SAR-based Sea Legend Shipping Pte Ltd, operator of the route, plans to expand Arctic capacity next year, aiming for regular weekly or biweekly summer sailings. "We're working toward year-round navigation by enhancing vessel design and fleet development," said Li Xiaobin, chief operating officer.

To maintain service during the Arctic off-season, the company will also launch an East Europe Express combining sea and rail transport via the Suez Canal, delivering goods to Europe within 25 days.

As a key corridor of the "Ice Silk Road", the Arctic route offers strategic value for global trade and regional cooperation.

The cargo vessel Istanbul Bridge arrives in the UK. [Photo by Sun Yuzhuo/cnnb.com.cn]