Shorter shipping routes

The Suez Canal route is mainly used, which is about 11,000 nautical miles. In contrast, the Northern Sea route, lying in Arctic waters with only some parts free of ice for a few months per year, is about 8,000 nautical miles. Melting Arctic ice caps are likely to increase traffic and the commercial viability of this shorter route.

CANADA

ALASKA

GREENLAND

Sea ice extent

July 2024

Rotterdam,

Netherlands

RUSSIA

Pacific

Ocean

Dalian,

China

Suez

Canal

CHINA

SAUDIA

ARABIA

INDIA

Indian

Ocean

Map: Taylor Johnston / CBS News • Sources: U.S. National Ice Center, Searoutes