As climate change accelerates the melt of Arctic ice, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for global shipping—new polar routes promise shorter transits between Asia and Europe, but they also introduce fresh supply chain security challenges that could catch unprepared fleets off guard.      The Northern Sea Route (NSR) along Russia's coast and the Northwest Passage through Canadian waters are becoming increasingly navigable, potentially cutting Europe-Asia distances by 30–