lillykira
10.06.2021 15:52:08
Naval Operations in an Ice Free Arctic Final Report (2001). Office of Naval Research, Naval Ice Center, Oceanographer of the Navy, and the Arctic Research Commission [links]
See full version: Shipping Through the Northwest Passage: A Policy Brief
Naval Operations in an Ice Free Arctic Final Report (2001). Office of Naval Research, Naval Ice Center, Oceanographer of the Navy, and the Arctic Research Commission [links]
Jernelöv, A. (2010). The Threats from Oil Spills: Now, Then, and in the Future. Ambio, 39(5-6), 353-366. doi:10.1007/s13280-010-0085-5 [links]
With this potential for conflict, the question presents itself: How should Canada prepare for the opening of the Northwest Passage to shipping in relation to other countries’ claims of its sovereignty? In this policy brief, I argue that Canada should plan to charge companies a fee to send ships through the Northwest Passage, because fees can reduce the amount of ships traveling through the passage, generate revenue for the country, and provide some benefits of access to technology for the Indigenous people living in Canada’s Arctic.
As climate change causes Arctic sea-ice to retreat at an accelerated rate, the region becomes more open to anthropogenic activities that Arctic communities have not seen before. The potential for new, shorter shipping routes through the Arctic seems promising for shipping companies that are looking to save time and money, but the impact they will have on the Arctic marine ecosystems and Indigenous communities in the area is still unknown.
The Northwest Passage passes through the waters of three countries: Canada, the United States, and Greenland. The politics of the region may have an impact on the potential for future shipping when the passage becomes ice-free. In a report prepared by the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Ice Center, the Oceanographer of the Navy, and the Arctic Research Commission in the United States, “Both Russia and Canada assert policies holding navigable straits in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Northwest Passage under their exclusive control. The United States differs in its interpretation of the status of these straits, with a potential for conflict.”
UN General Assembly, Convention on the Law of the Sea, 10 December 1982
A zodiac navigates icebergs in the Northwest Passage
Looking out onto the ice, Northwest Passage more
Kayaks ready for the off in the Northwest Passage
The Arctic has warmed twice as fast as the rest of the world, dramatically reshaping the region. Since satellite records began in the late 1970s, Arctic sea ice has disappeared at a rate of 13.4 percent per decade. Older sea ice that’s more resilient to breakup is also on the decline. In 30 years, it’s gone from 20 percent of all Arctic ice pack to just 3 percent. here
An ice-free Northwest Passage was once the stuff of legend. But it’s now becoming the norm thanks to global warming, and commercial freighters to luxury cruise ships are racing to turn a profit off the newest frontier on earth.
After a string of record low months, Arctic sea ice decline has slowed a bit. As of August, Arctic sea ice extent is currently at its third lowest extent to date. Researchers have said it’s unlikely to reach 2012’s record-setting low, but it’s right in line with the trend of less and less ice. more
It has the potential to bring much-needed money to some of the most remote places in North America and cultural exchange. But how that ripples through the cultural fabric is something that’s yet to be determined.
It’s not the first time the Northwest Passage has opened up in recorded history — that would be 2007 — but it coincides with a particularly high profile voyage. The Crystal Serenity, a hulking 820-foot, 13 deck cruise ship, set out just last week from Anchorage on a 32-day voyage that will end in New York. It’s the largest ship to ever pass through the Northwest Passage. But with a driving range on board, the cheap berths going for $22,000 and $50,000 emergency evacuation insurance policies required for each passenger, it’s made, shall we say, waves. here
HMCS Harry DeWolf is scheduled to participate in the maritime portion of Operation NANOOK in August 2021, following which it will transit through the Northwest Passage, and carry on to circumnavigate North America. [links]
[Edit – June 26th]
[Edit – May 28th]
Route 4 is still suffering from a section of 7-8/10 concentration near Resolute: more
2017 – 32 transits
2018 – 3 transits
2019 – 27 transits
2020 – 7 transits
2021 – ? here