Korean oil hub finds a friend in global warming.

摘要

According to consultancy IHS Maritime, six tankers travelled to South Korea along Russia's arctic coast in 2012, followed by three more in 2013. Global temperatures are on rise; the waterway has only become passable in the last few years, with observers first beginning to consider the route in 2005. At present, vessels have a three-month window from July to Oct., but by 2020, the sea-lanes should be clear of ice for six months of the year. According to the Korea Energy Economics Institute, the Northern Sea Route will be free of ice year-round by 2030.