The Dubai Tower sails toward Europe via the Arctic route. [Photo/Yongpai app]

The first cargo ship serving a new regular weekly China-Europe Arctic route left Qingdao Port at 12:30 pm on Aug 19, carrying more than 1,300 containers of Chinese-made goods toward Europe via the Arctic.

Operated by Sea Legend Shipping, the Dubai Tower vessel departed Ningbo on Aug 15 and called at Shanghai, Taicang, and Qingdao before leaving China. It loaded 768 containers of energy storage systems and power batteries at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, with 1,370 containers loaded for the full voyage.

The vessel will sail north through the Bering Strait and into Arctic waters before heading toward ports in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and other European destinations.

The voyage marks another step in the development of China's Arctic shipping links with Europe. Unlike last years' service, when vessels left China directly from Ningbo, the Dubai Tower made Qingdao its final Chinese port on this voyage.

Before departure, the crew completed a detailed safety review covering navigation plans, onboard supplies, vessel readiness, cargo documentation, and staffing requirements for Arctic navigation.

The voyage also highlights growing interest in Arctic shipping among Chinese ports and industry players. Shandong Port Group launched a study of Arctic route development and potential hub-port construction last year, while industry organizations have held training and safety exchanges focused on polar navigation.