MSC has reaffirmed that it will not use the Northern Sea Route, citing safety, environmental, and operational concerns as debate over Arctic shipping continues to intensify.
The company said safe navigation in the Arctic cannot be assured, with risks to crews remaining too high. MSC also warned that increased commercial traffic would place additional pressure on fragile ecosystems and local communities in the region.
Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said, “Our position at MSC is clear. We do not and will not use the Northern Sea Route. Safe navigation cannot be assured, the risks for crews remain too high, and increased traffic would put additional pressure on fragile ecosystems and local communities.”
He added that there is no operational requirement for the company to transit the Arctic, noting that MSC’s global fleet and network already allow it to transport customer cargo safely and reliably worldwide without using Arctic routes.
The statement comes as interest in Arctic shipping grows amid shifting trade patterns and climate-related changes, prompting renewed scrutiny from regulators, environmental groups, and industry stakeholders.
