Nordic Bulk Carrier Takes NSR Canada to Finland

'Nordic Orion' is taking the Northern Sea Route (NSR) with a full cargo of coal from Vancouver in Canada to Finland. The historic transit is shorter than traditional shipping routes and will not only save time, fuel and CO2, but also increase the load of cargo with 25% compared to the Panama Canal.

One of the world’s few modern ice-class bulk carriers - MV Nordic Orion - will carry a cargo of 73,500 tons of coal via the so
called North West Passage through Arctic waters to Finland. A Danish pioneer in operating ice-classed bulk carriers Nordic Bulk Carriers A/S is behind the historic North West Journey.

“We are very excited about this historic voyage, which has been a dream and ambition for several years,” says Christian Bonfils, Managing director of Nordic Bulk Carriers A/S. “We have deep respect towards these important Arctic waters and have planned this voyage in close coordination with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure a safe execution."

He adds, “The North West Passage shortens the distance which means a reduction in fuel consumption and transportation time – as well as lower CO2 emissions. The fuel savings alone add up to approximately USD 80,000. In addition this new route allows full utilisation of the ships capacity and thereby carries 25% more cargo than through the Panama Canal."