The Northern Sea Route is the most direct seaway between northern Europe and the Far East. Covered with
thick ice for much of the year, the route requires the few ships using it to sail in convoys accompanied by
icebreakers. ABB’s Azipod azimuthing electric propulsion system combined with Aker Arctic’s double-acting
ship concept means cargo vessels and tankers can sail the entire route without icebreakers.
ABB marine technology helps open new
super seaway between Europe and Asia
vessel to sail from Murmansk to
T
he voyage between the port of Mur-
Prior to the Monchegorsk’s historic jour-
mansk and Shanghai, China, was
ney, vessels crossing the frozen waters of
Shanghai via the Northern Sea
completed on October 17th by the Mon-
the Northern Sea Route had to travel in
Route – without the assistance of
chegorsk, one of a fleet of five ice-class
convoys and needed the costly assistance
container ships owned by Norilsk Nickel,
of icebreakers. They also faced a 60-65 day
one of the world’s largest mining and met-
journey home via the Indian Ocean, Suez
als companies.
Canal and northern Europe.
2010-12-06 – The first ever cargo
icebreakers – recently completed its
maiden crossing, cutting a 65-day
journey on the return leg down
Norilsk Nickel has extensive min-
Now the journey time between
to 19 days. ABB’s Azipod® electric
ing and metallurgical operations in Arc-
Dudinka and Shanghai has been cut to
propulsion technology makes the
tic Russia, and some of its most important
19–20 days, while the need for icebreak-
year-round journey possible.
markets are in China and Southeast Asia.
er-escorted convoys and the long return
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