China discovers possible sea lane through Arctic

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A Chinese research ship has tested a possible sea lane through northwestern Arctic, which can cut the trip from Shanghai to New York by 20 percent, or 2,000 nautical miles.

The trip, carried out by crew members on the Xuelong ice breaker, was the first time for a Chinese ship to drift through the northwestern Arctic route.

"The normal route for a ship to travel between Shanghai and New York goes through the Panama Canal, which is about 10,500 nautical miles in length," Xu Ren, leading scientist of the Xuelong ship mission, told CCTV reporter.

"But the new route is only 8,500 nautical miles, cutting the travel time by a week," he added.

Xu Ren explains the new route. /CCTV Photo

For cargo ships, going through the new route will save not only time, but also cost.

Xuelong was on a science expedition mission in the Arctic, which has been going on for about 50 days.

Route of Xuelong's Arctic expedition /CGTN Photo‍

Scientists on the ship have achieved many more firsts for China during the mission.

Details about their finding may only be available after the Xuelong returns to China, which is expected to happen in October.