The China Shipowners' Association (CSA) has released the first batch of sailing schedules for the 2026 China–Europe Arctic Route, outlining the initial deployment plans for this year's Arctic navigation season.

According to the published schedule, the 2026 Arctic navigation window is expected to run from late July through late September. During this period, several Chinese shipping companies will deploy container ships, multipurpose vessels and bulk carriers on services between China and Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

The inaugural deployment will be undertaken by Xin Xin Shipping Co., Ltd., Sea Legend Shipping (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., Ningbo Hongkun Shipping Co., Ltd., Dalian Trawind Shipping Co., Ltd., Tianjin Yueqian Shipping Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Dahua Shipping Co., Ltd.

According to the published schedules, the participating operators plan to deploy approximately 20,000 TEU of container ship and multipurpose vessel capacity, together with around 1.4 million deadweight tonnes (DWT) of bulk carrier capacity. The vessels will sail at staggered intervals throughout the Arctic navigation season, linking major Chinese ports with ports in Northern and Baltic Europe.

Several operators also indicated that return voyages will be arranged according to operational requirements, with vessels returning to China via the Northern Sea Route, the Suez Canal, or the Cape of Good Hope.

According to the published schedules, the first batch comprises approximately 38 vessel deployments and voyages, including container ships, multipurpose vessels and bulk carriers. The sailings are scheduled to take place between July and October 2026, with additional voyages expected to be announced as cargo bookings and operational plans are finalized.