China Expands NSR by Reaching England & Opening Murmansk

Chinese containerships are expanding operations along the Northern Sea Route in the Arctic. Their first run of 2026 has reached England, and they have launched a new export service from Murmansk for Central Russia.

On September 9, the containership Dubai Tower reached Teesport in northern UK, finishing its journey along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) that began in China on August 19.

The vessel is reported to be transporting 1,300 TEU, which includes electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy equipment from China.

Chinese Ship Diverts to Teesport with First UK Hybrid EV Cargo

The containership, with a deadweight tonnage of 23,338 and a capacity of 1,740 TEU, had an uneventful crossing anticipated to last around 20 days.

Originally scheduled to dock at Felixstowe, it unexpectedly diverted to Teesport, which, despite being the UK’s sixth-largest port and a northern gateway, offers limited container operations.

Moreover, PD Ports, operating at Teesport, recently received a significant automotive vessel call, bringing 5,000 vehicles from China as part of a major UK import operation. This shipment included various models from the Chery Automotive portfolio, such as Jaecoo and Chery models, along with the inaugural import of 1,300 Lepas plug-in hybrid cars into the UK market.

Likewise, Chery, a prominent Chinese manufacturer, expressed its enthusiasm for expanding its relationship with Teesport.

Asian Lines Expand Arctic Shipping to Europe & Russia

Sea Legend has published a schedule for its ship to proceed to Rotterdam and possibly Hamburg, with a stop in Gdynia, Poland, before returning across the Arctic. The Chinese shipping company is promoting this as the beginning of regular NSR crossings, with eight scheduled for 2026.

Other companies are entering the market, with New New Shipping planning voyages to Europe and South Korea's PanStar conducting a trial voyage. The PanStar Arco, currently near Norway, is set to arrive in Felixstowe on September 11.

Although intended for data collection, the vessel carries only 737 laden containers, significantly below its full capacity of over 2,700 TEU, with a target of around 1,200 TEU.

Meanwhile, China’s New New Shipping has launched a new service to Murmansk, Russia, via the NSR. A vessel transported 502 containers from China, containing car parts and materials for Central Russia, and subsequently loaded 26,400 tonnes of potash fertiliser, marking a first for the port.

Murmansk Supports NSR Trade & Arctic Port Expansion

Officials from the Murmansk Terminal company are evaluating the entire logistics scheme to assess the sustainability, convenience, and economic viability of the route for all participants involved.

Further, officials in Murmansk emphasise new trade opportunities to enhance the regional economy. Discussions are underway with New New Shipping for a dedicated terminal at the port and with Indian companies regarding a container service on the NSR.

Overall, the recent developments align with Russia's strategy to enhance trade along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). This week, a significant new oil export operation was launched on the NSR, marking progress toward achieving year-round transit capabilities.

The Maritime Training Academy studies containership operations, specifically the Dubai Tower's transport of electric vehicles and auto parts via the Northern Sea Route connecting China, Russia, and Europe. Key areas include port terminal management, TEU capacity optimisation, rail integrations, and improving trade networks among China, Russia, and the UK.

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