Arctic sea route transits quadruple as Gulf conflict and melting ice divert shipping

Transits via the Northern Sea Route have quadrupled, driven by melting ice and shippers avoiding the Middle East due to Gulf conflict. This marks a structural shift in global trade flows, with implications for shipping costs, transit times, and geopolitical leverage for Russia, which controls the route. The trend is likely to persist if ice melt accelerates and regional instability continues.