China’s Sea Legend Shipping will resume its seasonal China-Europe Arctic Express (CAX) service in 2026, once again using the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to connect Ningbo with the UK port of Felixstowe, according to shipping analyst DynaLiners.
The carrier introduced the Arctic service in 2025, but completed only one voyage after launching late in the Arctic navigation season. Building on that initial experience, Sea Legend is significantly expanding the service this year with plans to operate eight sailings between mid-August and late October.
The CAX service will be deployed with a fleet of seven vessels ranging in capacity from 1,500 TEU to 4,900 TEU, enabling regular seasonal operations during the Arctic’s navigable period.
The Northern Sea Route, which runs along Russia’s Arctic coastline, offers a shorter maritime link between Asia and Northern Europe during the summer months when ice conditions permit commercial navigation. The route has attracted growing interest from shipping companies seeking alternatives to the traditional Suez Canal corridor, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and congestion risks affecting global trade routes.
By expanding its Arctic Express service, Sea Legend aims to capitalize on the seasonal advantages of the NSR, offering faster transit times between China and Northern Europe while diversifying routing options for customers. The move reflects the increasing commercial interest in Arctic shipping as carriers continue to explore alternative trade corridors to improve supply chain resilience and operational efficiency.