The Arctic Express is back for 2026, offering UK importers a faster sea freight option for goods moving from China.
Following its first voyage in 2025, the service is expanding this year with eight weekly sailings planned between August and October, connecting Ningbo-Zhoushan in China with Northern Europe via the Northern Sea Route through Arctic waters.
A Faster Route to Europe
Rather than taking the traditional route towards the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope, the Arctic Express heads north from China and travels through the Arctic before reaching Northern Europe.
Current published schedules indicate a sailing time of approximately 20-25 days from Ningbo-Zhoushan to Felixstowe, giving importers another option when typical sea freight sailings are too slow, and air freight isn’t the right fit.
The service connects China with key European ports including Felixstowe (UK), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany) and Gdańsk (Poland).
It isn’t limited to cargo originating in Ningbo either. Connections are available from several major ports across China, including Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, Taicang, Fuzhou and Nansha.
2026 Arctic Express Sailings
Eight weekly departures from Ningbo-Zhoushan are currently planned:
- 15 August
- 22 August
- 29 August
- 5 September
- 12 September
- 19 September
- 26 September
- 3 October
The Arctic Express is a seasonal service, with schedules and transit times subject to weather and operational conditions.
Book the Arctic Express with Beckchoice
We’ve already booked customers onto upcoming Arctic Express sailings and can help businesses looking to take advantage of the service this season.
If you have cargo moving from China and would like more information on upcoming sailings, availability or whether the Arctic Express could work for your shipment, get in touch with the Beckchoice team. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and the options available.