Pakistan, Aug. 20 -- South Korea will send a container ship through the Arctic toward Europe this weekend. The voyage will test whether the Northern Sea Route can support commercial shipping. However, the plan could create tensions with Western allies because it requires Russian cooperation. If successful, it would mark South Korea's first commercial Arctic voyage to Europe. The PanStar Acro will leave Busan and sail toward Britain, the Netherlands and Poland. The journey is expected to take between 40 and 45 days.

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President Lee Jae Myung has made Arctic shipping a national priority. Officials believe the route could strengthen Busan's position as a global maritime hub. They also ho...