China and Russia have launched the Arctic Express No. 1 sea-rail service, which will transport containers by rail from Moscow to Arkhangelsk, the only port in northwest Russia. From there, container ships will be in charge of transporting goods across the Arctic Ocean to China. The service is expected to be a week faster than the Northern Sea Route, covering some 13,000 km in 20-25 days.
China's Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, said economic and commercial ties between the two countries have remained resilient and diplomatic relations have strengthened, even amid sanctions imposed on Russia after it invaded Ukraine. Trade between Russia and China totalled just over $240 billion last year. This exceeded the target of $200 billion. In the first five months of this year, it has increased by 3 percent year-on-year to almost $97 billion.
Commenting on Yangpu Newnew Shipping having launched the first regular container service between China and the Russian part of the Arctic Ocean in July last year, Zhang Hanhui said 14 round trips had been made since then. "The latest move comes after Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom signed an agreement with Yangpu Newnew last month, committing to operate routes through the NSR and build up to five icebreakers. Rosatom aims to transport at least 50 million tonnes of cargo through the NSR this year," he added.
