Russia and China are working on the construction of the world’s first high‑ice‑class container ships.

The State Corporation “Rosatom,” as part of a joint venture with the Chinese 
company New New Shipping Line, is working on the construction 
of the world’s first high‑ice‑class container ships. This information was shared 
on September 1 during the session “International Cooperation in the Arctic: 

From Strategic Dialogue to Joint Projects” at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) by Vladimir Panov, 
Director for the Development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Arctic — Director of the Arctic Directorate of the State Corporation “Rosatom.” 
The State Corporation, as reported by the Nuclear Industry Media Center.

According to Vladimir Panov, container ships may become the first vessels of this type to be built. In his speech, a representative of Rosatom also focused 
on the results of transportation via the Northern Sea Route. In 2025, container traffic via the NSR increased 2.5‑fold; 
a new significant surge is also projected for 2026.

Following the Chinese partners, who have transitioned the pilot flights to the status of a regular service, South Korea is already carrying out its pilot flight, 
and next year India will join the route. To consolidate this success, Rosatom is moving on to the next strategic stage – signing long‑term contracts with 
shipping companies, for which balanced financial and economic models are already being developed, Vladimir Panov added.

It should be recalled that in 2023, Rosatom and New New Shipping Line launched a regular service of container maritime transport via the Northern Sea Route.

Photo: Sudostroenie.info (archived)