A container ship arrived in Britain on Wednesday after a landmark voyage from China via the Arctic, as part of plans for more vessels to use the route as a shorter and potentially safer alternative to the Suez Canal.
The Dubai Tower arrived at Teesport off England's northeast coast after leaving eastern China on August 15.
The Arctic voyage, which is significantly quicker compared to freighters going through the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope, is intended to be the start of a regular container service to Europe via the so-called North Sea Route.
A South Korean container ship is also currently making a similar voyage, joining China and Russia in having shipping firms testing cargo services along the route, which is more feasible due to faster melting of Arctic sea ice.
The route offers shorter journeys and avoids security risks in the Middle East, as the US war with Iran continues.
But weather and sailing conditions can be unpredictable and its commercial feasibility is uncertain.
(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James)