The northern route links east and west, enabling cargo movement from northern Europe via the Bering Strait to northeast Asia.
It is a 30 per cent quicker passage through the Suez Canal than the Southern Europe-Asia alternative and is appealing to shipping companies thanks to considerable fuel and emission savings. The increased movement of the vessels via the northern route must take into consideration the fragile Arctic environment that surrounds it.
Sovcomflot operates the world's largest ice-class vessel operated by ABB's electric Azipod propulsion, which reduces fuel consumption while negating the need for separate ice-breaking ships frozen with up to 2,1 meters of ice in Arctic seas.
Vessels equipped with electric, mechanical, and wired systems from ABB help ensure that one of the most important supply routes in the world will continue to function sustainably.
Maritime Business World