More Chinese vessels to sail the Arctic – shipping firmSHANGHAI: Chinese shipping giant COSCO plans to send three cargo ships through the Arctic Ocean this summer, according to a statement, as the company expands services on a route global warming is making more viable. The shipping giant—which has grown through the merger with another company, China Shipping Group—said it aims to “normalize” services on the route. China’s Maritime Safety Administration in May published a Chinese language guide including nautical charts and descriptions of ice conditions for another Arctic shipping route, the Northwest Passage, which runs north of Canada. China does not border the Arctic and has no territorial claim to any of it, but it has joined the Arctic Council as an observer. Canada regards the Northwest Passage as part of its internal waters, while some other countries consider it an international strait.

Source: Manila Times July 18, 2016 09:33 UTC