Panamaxes set out for China on Arctic transits as seas warm

Arctic dry bulk players are gearing up for greater activity on Russia's Northern Sea Route (NSR) as warming climates extend the shipping season.

Panamax and larger vessels' transits of the route will more than double last years figures, although the totals remain small.

Last year saw only three panamax and post-panamax bulker transits of the NSR. However, this year, Oslo-based Golden Ocean Group alone has sent three of its ice-class panamaxes on their way since the beginning of this month.