The Istanbul Bridge container ship berths at the Beiyi Container Terminal in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, East China's Zhejiang province, on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang province launched the world's first China-Europe Arctic Express on Monday, realizing the "Polar Silk Road" vision with a record 18-day transit that enhances supply chain resilience and safety.

On Monday, the container vessel Istanbul Bridge departed from Beiyi Container Terminal at the port, embarking on its first voyage to Felixstowe, the United Kingdom's largest container port.

The new route drastically shortens shipping times between Chinese and European ports. "The direct transit time from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to Felixstowe is only 18 days, compared to over 25 days by China-Europe Railway Express, over 40 days via the Suez Canal, and over 50 days around the Cape of Good Hope," said Li Xiaobin, chief operating officer of Sea Legend Shipping. "This greatly enhances supply chain speed, reduces required business inventory by 40 percent, and cuts capital costs for businesses."

The route also offers a safer and more stable alternative. "It passes through politically and economically stable regions, reducing risks of piracy, congestion, and conflict spillover," said Li. The Arctic Express also cuts carbon emissions by about 50 percent compared to traditional detours.