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Toward Sustainable Arctic Shipping: Perspectives from China

Author

Listed:
  • Qiang Zhang

    (College of Transport and Communications, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China)

  • Zheng Wan

    (College of Transport and Communications, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China)

  • Shanshan Fu

    (College of Transport and Communications, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China)

Abstract

As a near-Arctic state and a shipping power, China shows great interest in developing polar shortcuts from East Asia to Europe against the background of shrinking Arctic sea ice. Due to the Arctic’s historic inaccessibility and corresponding vulnerable ecosystems, Arctic shipping activities must be carried out sustainably. In this study, a content analysis method was adopted to detect Chinese perspectives toward sustainable Arctic shipping based on qualitative data collected from the websites of several Chinese government agencies. Results show that, first, China emphasizes the fundamental role played by scientific expeditions and studies in developing Arctic shipping routes. Second, China encourages its shipping enterprises to conduct commercial and regularized Arctic voyages and intends to strike a good balance between shipping development and environmental protection. Third, China actively participates in Arctic shipping governance via extensive international cooperation at the global and regional levels. Several policy recommendations on how China can develop sustainable Arctic shipping are proposed accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiang Zhang & Zheng Wan & Shanshan Fu, 2020. "Toward Sustainable Arctic Shipping: Perspectives from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9012-:d:437207
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eddy Bekkers & Joseph F. Francois & Hugo Rojas†Romagosa, 2018. "Melting Ice Caps and the Economic Impact of Opening the Northern Sea Route," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 128(610), pages 1095-1127, May.
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    3. Liu, Miaojia & Kronbak, Jacob, 2010. "The potential economic viability of using the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as an alternative route between Asia and Europe," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 434-444.
    4. Zheng Wan & Jiawei Ge & Jihong Chen, 2018. "Energy-Saving Potential and an Economic Feasibility Analysis for an Arctic Route between Shanghai and Rotterdam: Case Study from China’s Largest Container Sea Freight Operator," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-13, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yen-Chiang Chang & Mehran Idris Khan, 2021. "May China Fish in the Arctic Ocean?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Kaishan Wang & Di Wu & Kai Wu & Kun Yu & Chongwei Zheng, 2023. "Interdecadal Variation Trend of Arctic Wind Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Jiayu Bai & Kailei Zhu, 2023. "China’s Engagement in Arctic Governance for Its Sustainable Development Based on International Law Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-31, March.

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