The Nikkei reports that Japan is studying the idea of using the Arctic Ocean as a sea route linking Asia and Europe to improve shipping efficiency and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
Ships that sail between Asia and Europe typically travel via the Suez Canal. An Arctic route could reduce sailing distances and operating costs by an estimated 40 per cent.
Ships traveling from Yokohama to the Dutch city of Rotterdam cover about 21,000 kilometres if they sail via the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal. The Arctic route would shorten that distance to roughly 13,000 kilometres.
Also, the northern route would slash the sailing time to 25 days from the current 31, which would reduce CO2 emissions from vessels.
Japan's Transport Ministry estimates that the Arctic route would cut total one-way shipping costs by 40 per cent, including fuel and personnel expenses as well as sailing fees.
But certain details need to be clarified, such as how much Russia would charge to let vessels sail along its coastal areas.
To move forward with the idea, Japan plans to soon participate as an observer in the Arctic Ocean Conference, a forum comprised of eight Arctic Ocean countries — including Russia, Canada, the United States and Norway — that sets rules on the use of the body of water.
Source: The Nikkei
