Is the Northern Sea Route attractive to shipping companies? Some insights from recent ship traffic data

While the media vigorously propagates historic Northern Sea Route (NSR) transits and researchers demonstrate the viability of the NSR, current usage by the shipping industry has been neglected thus far. This study aims to analyse the current ship traffic at NSR using transit data and port call data. The results show that navigation season lasts for five months, and Arc4 and Arc5 vessels are used extensively. Some Asian countries are active participants in the transit activities. NSR seems to be more appealing to liquid, bulk and general cargo transportation. Currently, most activities are still domestic and destinational in nature. The paper provides real statistics that can add value to the viability analysis. It identifies key players of the transits, exhibits trade pattern at NSR, and presents facts that interest shipping companies.