South Korea is set to test a new shipping route for Europe via the Arctic, testing whether a route opened by global warming can be commercially viable. The voyage has drawn concern from Western allies because it requires coordination with Russia.

The Northern Sea Route, chiefly used by Chinese and Russian vessels, could shorten voyages and save fuel, but requires Russian cooperation.

South Korea will flag off on Saturday a container ship bound for Europe via the Arctic, testing whether a route opened by melting sea ice can be commercially v