Seoul. Amidst the Middle East conflict causing global fuel supply problems, South Korea sent its first test container ship from the Arctic on Saturday. The Middle East conflict, which began in February with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, has affected global shipping, prompting governments and shipping companies to rush to find alternative routes. Environmental groups have warned that this route could accelerate the melting of polar ice. The container ship 'Panstar Acro', which departed from Busan New Port, is heading to Europe via the Arctic, which will test whether the route opened by melting sea ice is commercially viable.