China has issued its first guidance on arctic navigation in the Northwest Passage, the most challenging route in the Arctic Ocean.

Liu Pengfei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Transport, demonstrates the country's "Guidance on Arctic Navigation in the Northwest Route 2015" at a press conference on April 19, 2016. [Photo: zgjtb.com]

The document entitled "Guidance on Arctic Navigation in the Northwest Route 2015" covers information about hydrology, meteorology, navigational dangers as well as service and assistance facilities.

Liu Pengfei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Transport, said it aims to provide all-round guarantees for ships navigating on the route linking northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

"With the improvement of the navigational condition of the arctic passage, the development of ice-breaking technology and the enrichment of materials pertinent to the navigation in the Northwest Passage, it will become possible for Chinese ships to navigate in the Northwest Passage of the Arctic Ocean. We believe that Chinese ships will surely make their maiden trip in the Northwest Passage in the near future."

Liu added that this route will bring changes to global maritime transport and profoundly influence international trade, world economy, capital flow as well as resource exploitation.

The ministry itself will continue to issue guidance on navigation on other major sea routes across the world.

China issued the guidance on artic navigation via the northeast route in 2014.

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