First Merchant Ship on Arctic Northeast Route

23 September 2013

On August 8, China¡'s first merchant ship to head to Europe via the Arctic Northeast passage set off on its voyage from the northeastern port of Dalian. Using the Arctic route will greatly shorten the distance between China and Europe/North America, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, improved energy efficiency and lower operational costs.

The ship "Yong Sheng" is scheduled to arrive at Rotterdam port on 11 September. She completed her last docking repair before sailing from COSCO (Dalian) Shipyard on August 4, three days ahead of schedule. COSCO Shipping sent a letter of appreciation to COSCO (Dalian), in which the owner highly commended the yard on their technological strength and hearty services, as well as the great attention the yard has paid to the repair of the vessel, which provided solid safeguard for her first voyage on the Arctic route and maximized the ship's navigation capabilities in the Arctic region.

MV "Yong Sheng" is a 12-years old, 15,840-mt, general cargo ship. She measures 159.99 metres in LOA and 23.7 metres in breadth. Carrying the dreams of the COSCO people, she will open a new chapter for China's Arctic shipping history, making a new "Silk Road by Sea" which will connect China, Europe and North America.



COSCO Shipyard Group Co. Ltd. press release