Key factors for non-polar use of the Northern Sea Route: A Korean point of view

Global warming has led to the accelerated melting of the Arctic ice, making the Northern Sea Route (NSR) an emerging maritime trade route connecting Asia and Europe. Many studies actively seek to capitalize on this new opportunity for shipping to promote the maritime industry's rapid development in various countries. However, few studies have applied a strategic systems perspective to examine the critical success factors that drive non-polar countries to use the NSR. This study integrates international relations theory, sustainable development theory, and resource base theory to establish a system of critical success factors that encourage non-polar countries to use the NSR, focusing on the Republic of Korea's shipping industry as an example. After reviewing the existing literature, we identified 20 key factors that influence the use of the NSR by the maritime industry of the Republic of Korea. We surveyed 16 maritime experts from different organizations in the Republic of Korea and used the Fuzzy-Decision Making Experiment and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model to assess the interrelationships among these factors. A comprehensive analysis identifies international cooperation, compliance with international law, and participation in Arctic governance as the most critical success factors for the Republic of Korea in developing the NSR. This study expands the body of knowledge in NSR research. In addition, it provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for shipping companies and government agencies in non-polar countries to develop key strategies for utilizing the NSR.