French boxship giant CMA CGM says its fleet of 500 ships will not use the Northern Sea Route (NSR) through the Arctic on environmental grounds.
It called the decision a "forward-looking, socially responsible choice to protect the biodiversity of both the Arctic region and the entire planet".
CEO Rodolphe Saade will confirm the move at the Elysee Palace on Friday afternoon after he and other shipping representatives were invited there by French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of the G7 summit.