South Korea is planning to carry out a trial container shipping voyage through Arctic waters in September, as part of efforts to create a shorter sea route between Asia and Europe.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the pilot voyage will involve a 3,000-TEU container ship sailing from Busan to Rotterdam via Arctic shipping routes.
The government is currently working to secure a vessel and begin consultations with Russian authorities in the first half of the year, as Russia issues permits for ships passing through much of the Arctic corridor.
Once a ship and shipping company are selected, the government plans to start recruiting shippers and cargo for the trial run.
The Arctic trial is part of a strategy to expand northern shipping routes and turn Busan and the surrounding southeastern region into a major maritime centre.
The ministry has described 2026 as the beginning of a new phase focused on Busan, with
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