Arctic North East Passage breakthrough

Link to the article: Channel 4 News

By Channel 4 News

Two merchant ships open up the Arctic's North East Passage, which has been the dream of seafarers for 500 years. Jane Dodge reports.

Explorers have died trying to conquer the dangerous route, once ice-covered across the top of the world and frozen solid for centuries.

But global warming has pushed back the ice, and this weekend two German-owned vessels are expected to get through with ease.

Shipping firms hope they can now open the passage to worldwide trade.