The Arctic Ocean, once explored only by scientists, is emerging as a 'hot place' in global economics and geopolitics. As global warming reduces the sea ice drifting on the ocean, the opening of the Arctic route is being spotlighted as a 'dream route' that could pivot logistics innovation and elevate Korea to the heart of global logistics.
The Arctic route can reduce transportation distance by up to 30% compared to the existing route that passes through the Suez Canal when traveling from Busan in Korea to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The transportation period is shortened by more than 10 days. This can lead to significant fuel cost savings and reductions in carbon emissions.
Moreover, the industry is paying attention to the fact that it can bypass politically conflicted areas like the Middle East and the South China Sea. Furthermore, if Busan Port establishes itself as a key point of the Arctic route, a wide-ranging ripple effect across logistics, finance, shipbuilding, and port industries could follow.
◇To utilize the Arctic route, polar research is essential
There is a prerequisite task that must be completed to properly utilize the Arctic route: 'polar research.' From the sea ice covering the ocean to the freezing temperatures fluctuating around minus 40 degrees Celsius, the weather that changes several times a day, and the unpredictable ocean currents and terrain, the Arctic route presents challenges humanity has never faced before. To overcome all these uncertainties, meticulous research and the accumulation of large-scale data are necessary.
Professor Nam Seong-hyun of Seoul National University said, 'The development of the Arctic route is a project that cannot be realized without scientific understanding of the polar regions,' adding, 'It is not merely a matter of securing a new transportation route; it requires the ability to scientifically analyze and predict climate and marine environments, making it a viable national strategic project.'
Korea is currently exploring Arctic waters with the Araon, the only icebreaker research vessel, and tracking various observational data. An icebreaker refers to a ship that travels on the ice, breaking it with the weight of its hull. The Araon began a 91-day demonstration voyage on the 3rd in the Arctic Bering Sea and the East Siberian Sea. While navigating the Arctic route, it conducts observations of the seabed terrain and climate.
In 2029, a next-generation icebreaking research vessel is also set to be deployed. The heavier an icebreaker is, the thicker ice it can break through while sailing. The next-generation icebreaking research vessel will have a gross tonnage (GT) of 16,560 tons, more than double that of the Araon (7,507 tons).
Professor Nam noted, 'Considering the rate at which Arctic sea ice is melting, competition among nations surrounding the Arctic route will emerge within the next 10 to 20 years,' adding, 'Only countries that are prepared in advance can exert significant influence and reap the economic high value-added effects.'
◇Shipbuilding industry is also competitive, ranking first in constructing icebreaking LNG carriers
China has already signed long-term transport contracts with Russia and has transported Russian resources via the Arctic route. Japan also has a history of transporting goods using the Arctic route. Korea is not in a position of much surplus either.
Professor Kim Hyun-soo of Inha University said, 'Now is a crucial opportunity to join the ranks of advanced Arctic nations,' forecasting, 'Just as the Gyeongbu Expressway opened up and led to the development of not only Seoul and Busan but also surrounding cities, the Arctic route will not only serve as a logistics corridor but will elevate Korea to a new global logistics hub.'
Experts predict that the commercialization of the Arctic route will bring significant changes across domestic industries. An official from the shipping industry explained, 'If Busan becomes a hub like Singapore in East Asia, various industrial ripple effects such as financial revitalization, ship repair, and localization of maritime technology are expected.'
Korea has already constructed numerous vessels optimized for the Arctic route based on its world-leading shipbuilding technology. Hanwha Ocean has built 21 icebreaking LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers, and Samsung Heavy Industries has built 15, marking the highest achievements in the world. This could provide a decisive advantage in the future competition for operations in the Arctic route.
However, the infrastructure for extreme environment testing of equipment for vessels to be deployed on the Arctic route is still inadequate. The Arctic, covered in ice and with temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees, necessitates tests to ensure the equipment does not freeze and can operate. However, domestic large-scale testing facilities capable of verifying this are lacking, resulting in some tests relying on foreign facilities.
Experts in the shipbuilding industry noted, 'To achieve localization of equipment, infrastructure for testing in the actual Arctic environment and demonstration vessels are needed,' adding, 'If the government steps in to expand facilities such as large cold rooms (ultra-low temperature laboratories) and operates test vessels as a national project, it would be a great help in securing technological independence and competitiveness.'
◇Addressing climate change is also directly linked to energy security
Polar research is not only key to developing the Arctic route but is also closely related to humanity's climate change response strategy. The reduction in glaciers and sea ice in the Arctic, along with changes in ocean currents, has led to global weather anomalies and rising sea levels. The Arctic is the region where climate change is showcased most dramatically.
Professor Nam Seong-hyun said, 'The glaciers in the polar regions are a colossal time capsule that has recorded changes in the Earth's environment for hundreds of thousands of years,' adding, 'By reading that record, we can identify the causes of the climate crisis facing humanity and devise response strategies.'
The Arctic is also a treasure trove of resources. High-value resources such as natural gas, oil, rare earth elements, and biological resources are concentrated around the Arctic, and international competition for these resources has already begun.
Professor Kim Hyun-soo stated, 'Polar research is not just a scientific activity but a crucial strategy that determines proactive responses to climate change, energy security, and the future of the shipbuilding and shipping industries,' noting, 'To position Korea among the advanced polar nations, more active investment is needed now.'