/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2025/september/trade-asia-to-europe-–-msc-reaffirms-commitment-to-avoid-“arctic”-northern-sea-route
Trade Asia to Europe – MSC Reaffirms Commitment to Avoid “Arctic” Northern Sea Route
29/09/2025
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company informs you that we reaffirm our commitment to avoid the Northern Sea Route for the following reasons.
The Northern Sea Route remains underdeveloped for commercial shipping since safe navigation and transit are not assured.
An increase in Arctic transit traffic may also impact the fragile ecosystem of the region and the ice caps.
More ships transiting the Northern Sea Route could also affect remote Arctic communities by congesting existing shipping lanes and slowing down necessary traffic, which is an essential lifeline for their survival and prosperity.
Furthermore, there is no operational reason for our fleet and standalone network to transit the Arctic, as we have the capacity and means to safely and reliably transport customer cargo globally without using the Northern Sea Route.
Should you have any questions, please contact your local MSC representatives in our global network of more than 675 offices.
The Northern Sea Route remains underdeveloped for commercial shipping since safe navigation and transit are not assured.
An increase in Arctic transit traffic may also impact the fragile ecosystem of the region and the ice caps.
More ships transiting the Northern Sea Route could also affect remote Arctic communities by congesting existing shipping lanes and slowing down necessary traffic, which is an essential lifeline for their survival and prosperity.
Furthermore, there is no operational reason for our fleet and standalone network to transit the Arctic, as we have the capacity and means to safely and reliably transport customer cargo globally without using the Northern Sea Route.
Should you have any questions, please contact your local MSC representatives in our global network of more than 675 offices.