A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, designed for icy conditions, has become the first commercial ship to pass through the Arctic’s northern sea route during winter. The Teekay vessel set off from South Korea in December, bound for Sabetta in northern Russia, cutting through ice 1.8m thick. It completed the route last month, delivering its cargo to Montoir, France. Teekay are investing in a further six ships to serve this route. The northern sea route is favoured as it is shorter than through the Suez Canal, which is the conventional route used for trade between Europe and Asia.
