In the early 4.30 AM of September 23, 2025, the “Istanbul Bridge”, departed from Beilun Port Area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to Felixstowe Port - the UK’s largest container port, marking the maiden voyage of the China-Europe arctic container express route.

The vessel loaded over 1,000 TEUs at Beilun Port Area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on September 22, 2025. The vessel navigated the Arctic Northeast Passage, completing the journey to Europe in just 18 days. This sets a new record for China-Europe express shipping, following the 26-day “China-Europe Express” route from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to Wilhelmshaven Port, Germany, which was launched at the end of 2024. It is also a major achievement in the development of the “Ice Silk Road” under the Belt and Road Initiative. The new route provides faster and low-carbon transport solutions for China’s high-end manufacturing, cross-border e-commerce, and new energy industries, among others.

(Source: www.xinhuanet.com)