Environmental organization Bellona is urging Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to persuade Chinese authorities to abandon plans for extensive shipping through the Northeast Passage, also known as the Northern Sea Route.

Bellona warns of potential environmental disasters due to unpredictable ice conditions and inadequate infrastructure for search and rescue operations in the Arctic.

Despite the reduced ice making the route more accessible, Bellona highlights the risks of oil spills and the harmful impact of emissions from heavy oil used by ships.

The organization stresses that increased shipping activity could accelerate ice melting, further endangering the Arctic environment.

However, during Støre's upcoming visit to China, the Northeast Passage is not on the agenda, as the focus will be on global issues like climate change and the war in Ukraine.