Using the Northern Sea Route could reduce the time taken to transport goods between Asia and Europe by approximately 7–10 days; however, such time savings do not guarantee a corresponding reduction in transport costs, according to an analysis by the Experts Club information and analysis centre.
Arctic voyages require more expensive insurance, vessels adapted for polar navigation, and, in some cases, icebreaker escort. The route is generally accessible to standard container ships only during the three summer months, whilst restrictions on vessel size reduce economies of scale.
The PanStar Acro pilot voyage also carries sanctions risks due to its reliance on Russian permits and infrastructure. Therefore, the trial will primarily serve as an economic test to determine whether the theoretical time saving of 30–35 per cent can translate into a real reduction in transport costs.