Climate change, one of the most pressing concerns in the 21st century, may pave a new frontier for Korea's port city of Busan.
While researchers and environmentalists forecast that all the Arctic glaciers will completely vanish by 2050, the world is eyeing to stake a claim in the development of a sea route crossing the North Pole.
The alternative route connecting Busan and the Dutch port city of Rotterdam is expected to significantly save on businesses shipping periods and cost, compounded by a major advancement in related maritime industries.
Currently, the shortest seaway from Korea's largest harbor to Europe lies in the Indian Ocean through Egypt's Suez Canal.
It takes about 24 days to sail on the 20,100-kilometer passage from Busan to Europe's leading port in Rotterdam.
The envisioned course stretching 12,700 kilometers on the northermost part of the Earth, is expected to shorten travel time to 14 days.
Located in the largest proximity from the Arctic route compared to other Asian ports in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, Busan is slated to become a major transshipment center in the region.
Once cargo vessels begin flocking to Busan en route to their final destination, suppliers of oil and other goods used on ships, along with businesses in repair and maintenance will enjoy an increase in demand.
Shipbuilders, distributors and even the travel industry could also cash in on the projected development.
Officials in Busan are in preparation to bring life to the project's blueprint, such as conducting various research to determine environmental forecasts in the Arctic and estimated demand for the northernmost freighter path.
If and when the new route is up and running, Busan, already a major transshipment hub for North American carriers, is slated to attract additional vessels from Europe.
Choi You-sun, Arirang News.
MAR 20, 2010
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Friday, SEP 03, 2010, (KST) 
