The Arctic Sea Route is only navigable during certain months of the year due to ice conditions. Even with melting ice, the route is not accessible year-round, making it less reliable than the Malacca Strait, which is navigable throughout the year. The NSR lacks the extensive infrastructure present along traditional routes. Ports, refueling stations, and rescue services are minimal compared to those available along the Malacca Strait and Suez Canal. The costs associated with icebreaker escorts, insurance, and potential delays due to weather conditions can offset these savings.
China’s
woes here is that it does not have easy alternatives to Malacca. The nearby Sunda Strait (adjoining Indonesia) is difficult to navigate due to a strong tidal current and a minimum depth of only 20 meters in parts of its northeastern end.
The Lombok/Makassar Strait in the region is a longer route, which can increase shipping costs. That is why it is said that, for now, the Malacca Strait route remains irreplaceable for China.