Paris, France, Aug 22, 2026 (AFP) - Arctic shipping a daunting prospect in hotly contested region

NAMPA / AFP
2026-08-22
With Gulf turmoil slashing Suez Canal traffic, shipping firms are tempted to try the Arctic for quicker trips between Europe and Asia -- but commercial prospects are unlikely to match countries' strategic ambitions for the North Pole. Container ships from China and South Korea aim to transit the Northern Sea Route in Russian territorial waters in the coming weeks, testing its viability as climate change keeps the passage free of ice longer each y......
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WINDHOEK, 21 August 2026 - Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse launched the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek, urging prioritisation of practical actions over bureaucracy. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

WINDHOEK, 21 August 2026 - Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse launched the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek, urging prioritisation of practical actions over bureaucracy. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

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WINDHOEK, 21 August 2026 - Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse launched the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek, urging prioritisation of practical actions over bureaucracy. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

WINDHOEK, 21 August 2026 - Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse launched the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek, urging prioritisation of practical actions over bureaucracy. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

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WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - The Roads Authority on Thursday launched a N$13 million Project Control System, officiated by Minister Veiko Nekundi, to enhance management of Namibia's 50,000-kilometre road network valued at N$220 billion. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - The Roads Authority on Thursday launched a N$13 million Project Control System, officiated by Minister Veiko Nekundi, to enhance management of Namibia's 50,000-kilometre road network valued at N$220 billion. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

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WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr, Esperance Luvindao. (Photo: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr, Esperance Luvindao. (Photo: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

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WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - Economic Association of Namibia Chairman and Managing Director of Monasa Advisory and Associations, Jason Kasuto, speaking at the fourth edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - Economic Association of Namibia Chairman and Managing Director of Monasa Advisory and Associations, Jason Kasuto, speaking at the fourth edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

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WINDHOEK, 19 August 2026 – Five of the six people accused of corruption at the Zambezi Regional Council in front of the Windhoek High Court which provisionally withdrew the charges on Wednesday. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 19 August 2026 – Five of the six people accused of corruption at the Zambezi Regional Council in front of the Windhoek High Court which provisionally withdrew the charges on Wednesday. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

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WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Kornelia Shilunga, speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference. (Photo by: Justina Shuumbwa) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Kornelia Shilunga, speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference. (Photo by: Justina Shuumbwa) NAMPA

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WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - A poster of the One Economy Game Changers project. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 20 August 2026 - A poster of the One Economy Game Changers project. (Photo: Contributed) NAMPA

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