Exploring the impacts of sea ice loss and economic investments on the development of shipping routes and shipping traffic, as well as the legal and policy decisions related to maritime traffic in the Arctic. https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/shipping/rss en Environment Governance Shipping Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:07:46 +0000 Mia Bennett https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2017/03/13/doubts-remain-about-polar-codes-ability-to-protect-the-environment https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2017/03/13/doubts-remain-about-polar-codes-ability-to-protect-the-environment New rules are in effect for ships traveling in Arctic waters, but big questions remain about whether it’s enough to protect a fragile ecosystem from the increasing incursions of cruise ships, writes Mia Bennett, a research fellow in the Department of Geography at UCLA. Northern People & Health Shipping Fri, 10 Mar 2017 05:00:28 +0000 Andreas Østhagen https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/03/10/preparing-for-an-arctic-maritime-emergency https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/03/10/preparing-for-an-arctic-maritime-emergency Arctic nations should do more to ensure their northern communities are ready and able to respond to emergencies at sea, writes Andreas Osthagen for the High North News. Research Shipping Fri, 24 Feb 2017 08:03:07 +0000 Eva Holland https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/02/24/northwest-passage-still-out-of-reach-despite-rise-in-shipping-traffic https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/02/24/northwest-passage-still-out-of-reach-despite-rise-in-shipping-traffic Researchers have charted an increase in Arctic shipping numbers, but Canada’s Northwest Passage is unlikely to become a regular route any time soon, due to the enduring presence of hard, thick, multi-year sea ice in the more northerly channels. Shipping Fri, 17 Feb 2017 05:00:55 +0000 Colonel Pierre Leblanc (retired) https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2017/02/17/canada-needs-more-coast-guard-icebreakers https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2017/02/17/canada-needs-more-coast-guard-icebreakers As the ice is receding in the Arctic, human activity has been on the rise. Pierre Leblanc, a retired colonel and a former commander of the Canadian Forces in the Arctic, says growing demand for rescue and research means building more icebreakers. Infrastructure Northern People & Health Shipping Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:03:26 +0000 Lauren Kaljur https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/02/16/examining-the-human-impact-of-the-northern-sea-route https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/02/16/examining-the-human-impact-of-the-northern-sea-route A research project is examining how the establishment of Russia’s Northern Sea Route has shaped the lives of residents along the country’s northern coast, amid the booms and busts of industrialization. Environment Shipping Mon, 23 Jan 2017 10:31:31 +0000 Sian Prior https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2017/01/23/time-to-commit-to-cleaning-up-arctic-shipping https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2017/01/23/time-to-commit-to-cleaning-up-arctic-shipping Heavy fuel oil is fiendishly tricky to clean up once spilled in Arctic waters. Sian Prior of the Clean Arctic Alliance is urging attendees at the Arctic Frontiers conference to sign the group’s pledge to stop using the fuel in the Arctic. Environment Shipping Thu, 12 Jan 2017 05:00:54 +0000 Jillian Kestler-D’Amours https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/01/12/the-sticky-issue-of-cleaning-up-arctic-shipping https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/01/12/the-sticky-issue-of-cleaning-up-arctic-shipping Heavy fuel oil turns into a mayonnaise-like goop in Arctic waters and is exceedingly difficult to clean up. The U.S. and Canada have pledged to curb its use, but other Arctic nations – particularly Russia – aren’t ready to switch to pricier alternatives yet. Climate Energy & Natural Resources Geopolitics & Security Research Shipping Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:55:51 +0000 Eline Gordts https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/12/29/how-a-researcher-from-arizona-developed-a-passion-for-the-arctic https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/12/29/how-a-researcher-from-arizona-developed-a-passion-for-the-arctic Katherine Weingartner is an ICF contractor for the United States Global Change Research Program where she supports the development of the National Climate Assessment. Energy & Natural Resources Environment Fisheries Governance Shipping Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:37:53 +0000 John Thompson https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/12/21/u-s-and-canada-announce-sweeping-ban-on-offshore-arctic-drilling https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/12/21/u-s-and-canada-announce-sweeping-ban-on-offshore-arctic-drilling The decision has been welcomed by conservationists, but has also been described by northern leaders as heavy-handed, with complaints that the opinions of local communities were excluded from the decision-making process. Economy Geopolitics & Security Shipping Mon, 19 Sep 2016 05:00:09 +0000 Adam Lajeunesse https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/09/19/china-prepares-to-use-the-northwest-passage https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/09/19/china-prepares-to-use-the-northwest-passage What did the Chinese government really mean when it published a guidebook to shipping through the Northwest Passage – and is it really a threat to Canadian sovereignty, asks Arctic security expert Adam Lajeunesse. Geopolitics & Security Research Shipping Mon, 29 Aug 2016 12:30:35 +0000 Hannah Hoag https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/08/29/noaa-is-updating-its-arctic-charts-to-prevent-a-nautical-disaster https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/08/29/noaa-is-updating-its-arctic-charts-to-prevent-a-nautical-disaster Just over 1 percent of U.S. Arctic waters have been surveyed to modern standards. In fact, some depth measurements on nautical charts date back to Captain Cook’s time. Here’s what it takes to bring those maps into the modern age. Environment Northern People & Health Shipping Mon, 22 Aug 2016 06:41:38 +0000 Ed Struzik https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/08/22/welcome-to-the-arctic-ocean-mysterious-fish https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/08/22/welcome-to-the-arctic-ocean-mysterious-fish As the climate changes, the Arctic Ocean beckons Pacific salmon and other species from the south. What remains to be seen is whether this will benefit the Inuit or trigger an international race to exploit emerging resources in the central Arctic Ocean. Economy Infrastructure Shipping Thu, 18 Aug 2016 08:54:41 +0000 Jennifer Kingsley https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/08/18/transportation-not-tourism-in-arctic-iceland https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/08/18/transportation-not-tourism-in-arctic-iceland As shipping patterns change, one town plans to join the emerging supply chain. “Meet the North,” a series that ventures into the lives of some of the 4 million people who call the Arctic home, explores an industrial future in a quiet corner of Iceland. Shipping Mon, 06 Jun 2016 08:18:58 +0000 Malte Humpert https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/06/06/is-northern-sea-route-shipping-in-a-deep-freeze https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/06/06/is-northern-sea-route-shipping-in-a-deep-freeze HIGH NORTH NEWS: As the cost of shipping fuel has dropped, operators have been less interested in taking Arctic shortcuts. Shipping traffic along Russia’s Northern Sea Route is in decline. Will it bounce back? Environment Governance Shipping Fri, 03 Jun 2016 09:40:07 +0000 Dom Yanchunas https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/06/03/environmental-groups-push-for-stronger-polar-code https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/06/03/environmental-groups-push-for-stronger-polar-code When the Polar Code takes effect in January 2017, it will strengthen the rules for many of the vessels sailing through Arctic waters. It will help protect the Arctic environment, but experts say gaps remain. Infrastructure Shipping Mon, 30 May 2016 06:25:35 +0000 Hugh Stephens https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/05/30/arctic-sea-routes-wont-be-the-top-shipping-choice https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/05/30/arctic-sea-routes-wont-be-the-top-shipping-choice OPEN CANADA: Northern sea routes are opening up, but the implications are more advantageous for Canada’s relations with Asia than for shipping, says Hugh Stephens, a fellow at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. Shipping Mon, 09 May 2016 03:35:10 +0000 Claire Eamer https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/05/09/the-canadian-arctic-remains-dangerously-unmapped https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/05/09/the-canadian-arctic-remains-dangerously-unmapped HAKAI MAGAZINE: Arctic waters are increasingly ice-free, but a lack of seafloor mapping means navigating the region is still risky. Mapping the Arctic is underway, but it’s neither easy nor cheap. Infrastructure Shipping Fri, 29 Apr 2016 11:18:08 +0000 Captain David (Duke) Snider https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/04/29/the-arctic-shipping-internet-game https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/04/29/the-arctic-shipping-internet-game “The Arctic is ripe for the spread of disinformation. Few people have been there, and they have no source but the internet to gain knowledge.” Environment Infrastructure Shipping Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000 Hannah Hoag https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/04/05/report-upgrade-canadas-arctic-shipping-corridors https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/04/05/report-upgrade-canadas-arctic-shipping-corridors A new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Oceans North Canada calls for a network of shipping routes as part of its roadmap for transforming Canadian Arctic waters into a zone of economic activity that also offers safety and security, protects the environment and respects Inuit rights. Shipping Tue, 22 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000 Malte Humpert https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/03/22/broad-finnish-japanese-cooperation-in-the-arctic https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/03/22/broad-finnish-japanese-cooperation-in-the-arctic HIGH NORTH NEWS: Economic development across the Barents region is a top priority for the President of Finland and the Prime Minister of Japan. During a three-day visit to Japan, the two leaders discussed the shared cooperation of shipping along the Northern Sea Route. Environment Shipping Thu, 17 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000 Hannah Hoag https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/03/17/turning-the-lens-on-arctic-shippings-new-era https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/03/17/turning-the-lens-on-arctic-shippings-new-era Shipping in Arctic waters is expected to rise as sea ice thins and melts, particularly along Russia’s Northern Sea Route. Bernice Notenboom’s new film Sea Blind looks at the risks and environmental costs involved in Arctic shipping – and plots a path towards a more sustainable industry. Shipping Thu, 11 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000 Tero Vauraste https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/02/11/a-better-way-to-build-icebreakers-collaboration https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/02/11/a-better-way-to-build-icebreakers-collaboration Why pay more than $1 billion for a new icebreaker when it costs $150 million to make one in Finland – and where they are used for only part of the year? Canada, the U.S. and Finland could share these vessels, a joint venture that would increase the number of much-needed ice-ready ships in the changing Arctic. Environment Shipping Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000 Hannah Hoag https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/02/10/scott-stephenson-the-future-of-arctic-shipping https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2016/02/10/scott-stephenson-the-future-of-arctic-shipping As the climate warms, Arctic shipping routes are expected to remain open for longer, which could save companies time and money. Scott Stephenson, a geographer at the University of Connecticut, charts the future of these shipping lanes. Environment Shipping Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000 Geoffrey Giller https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/02/08/arctic-at-risk-from-invasive-species https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2016/02/08/arctic-at-risk-from-invasive-species HAKAI MAGAZINE: As summer sea ice recedes and resource development grows, the number of ships in the Arctic may well increase and bring with them non-native aquatic species. In fact, some have already made it to the Arctic, they just can’t survive there - yet. Environment Geopolitics & Security Shipping Wed, 23 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 Hannah Hoag https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2015/12/23/a-black-carbon-crackdown-could-cool-temperatures https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2015/12/23/a-black-carbon-crackdown-could-cool-temperatures Black carbon, also known as soot, has an important role in global warming, especially in the Arctic. When it’s in the atmosphere, it traps heat, and when it falls on snow or ice, it speeds up melting. Curbing black carbon emissions could help slow down the planet’s warming. Environment Shipping Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 Laura Strickler https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2015/12/08/ban-the-use-of-heavy-fuel-oil-in-the-arctic https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2015/12/08/ban-the-use-of-heavy-fuel-oil-in-the-arctic Passenger and cargo ships traveling in Antarctic waters are prohibited from using, or carrying, heavy fuel oil – but not in the Arctic. This inexpensive fuel emits powerful climate forcers and poses a significant threat to the marine environment, particularly in colder waters, writes Laura Strickler. Environment Shipping Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 Mia Bennett https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2015/12/08/satellites-eye-the-arctic-nighttime-frontier https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/community/2015/12/08/satellites-eye-the-arctic-nighttime-frontier Satellites orbiting the Earth can spot signs of human activity during the dark polar night. These light-sensitive new technologies keep tabs on development, add security to Arctic maritime activities and can even be used to detect illicit activity, writes Mia Bennett.