Lee ties Arctic shipping development to sanctions compliance

South Korea will pursue Northern Sea Route shipping in compliance with international norms and sanctions, President Lee Jae Myung said on Oct. 13. He spoke in Busan at a ceremony marking the return of the PanStar Acro container ship.

Lee said Seoul would engage with key partners and consider their concerns about Arctic shipping. RIA Novosti and Yonhap reported his remarks.

He also reaffirmed long-term interest in the route. He said tensions in the Middle East had demonstrated how restrictions on maritime transport could affect the global economy.

The container ship returned to Busan on Oct. 11 after a trial voyage through the Arctic to Europe and back. The new remarks concern the conditions for developing shipping after that journey.

The previous day, South Korea’s ambassador to Russia, Lee Sok Bae, said the country was considering regular commercial services via the route over the medium to long term. That is an intention, rather than confirmation that a regular service has opened.