The first pilot vessel call by the Chinese container company NewNew Shipping Line to the port of Murmansk is scheduled for August 2026. This agreement was reached on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum during a working meeting between Murmansk Region Governor Andrey Chibis and NewNew Shipping Line Chairman of the Board of Directors Fan Yuxin.
The negotiations were a practical follow-up to the cooperation agreement signed by the parties in September 2025. The project aims to develop new logistics routes using the infrastructure of the port of Murmansk and the capabilities of the Northern Sea Route. The project is also part of the implementation of the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin issued following the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk. One of the key objectives outlined by the head of state is the development of the Northern Sea Route and the formation of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor as a global route for international freight transport.
The Arctic Highway significantly reduces the distance between Asian markets and European Russia compared to traditional routes through the Suez Canal. This translates into shorter delivery times, increased logistics efficiency, and a reduced environmental impact due to shorter shipping distances.
Governor Andrei Chibis emphasized the strategic nature of the project: "The development of the Northern Sea Route and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor is one of the key state objectives set by the President of Russia. For the Murmansk Region, this not only brings new economic opportunities but also strengthens our status as a strategic hub for Arctic logistics. Today, we are moving toward the practical implementation of these decisions. Determining the date of the test vessel call is an important step in developing new international logistics routes through the Arctic. It is important to develop this route together with you, and the region is ready to provide the necessary assistance."
In turn, Fan Yuxin noted the company's interest in developing cooperation with Russian partners and taking advantage of the Northern Sea Route.
"We highly value the potential for cooperation with the Murmansk Region and the opportunities offered by the Northern Sea Route. We are extremely interested in developing Murmansk as a logistics hub. We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership," said the chairwoman of the Chinese company's board of directors.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to continue working together to prepare for a test vessel call and further develop cargo transportation via the Northern Sea Route. The company will also consider organizing transit shipments through the port of Murmansk to Kaliningrad.
For reference:
NewNew Shipping Line is a Chinese container shipping company that has been actively operating in the Arctic since 2023. In 2024, it completed 13 voyages along the Northern Sea Route, transporting over 20,000 TEU. In June 2025, the establishment of a joint venture between NNSL and the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom was announced for the construction of container ships for the NSR.
/Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region/
