The paper highlights the challenges and best practices that shipmanagers and Masters should consider when planning and executing a transit of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) , so that they can make an informed decision about the transit.
Climate change and the associated warming of the Arctic seas has opened up the NSR, as a possible alternative to more southerly trading routes between Europe and Asia/Pacific, but it presents unique challenges to any ship using it.
OCIMF director, Andrew Cassels, said, “The Northern Sea Route is a relatively new passage in an environmentally sensitive area for merchant ships trading between Europe and Asia/Pacific. The passage is well-regulated and can be safely executed as long as companies and Masters recognise the uniqueness of the area.
Severely cold weather and the risk of sea-ice and delays need to be factored into the passage planning along with the potential interference to navigational and communications equipment. With the right ship and a well-planned passage, the Northern Sea Route can be navigated safely,” he said.