New Workshop Report Available
Arctic Marine Transport
Institute of the North
U.S. Arctic Research Commission
International Arctic Science Committee
For further information and to download the report, please go to:
http://www.institutenorth.org
Amid growing interest and concern over the rapid climate changes
occurring in the Arctic, experts in arctic marine transport and
international marine safety, as well as researchers of sea ice and
climate change, met at the Scott Polar Research Institute in September
2004 to create a research agenda and identify critical issues related to
the future of arctic shipping. Sponsored by the Institute of the North,
U.S. Arctic Research Commission, and the International Arctic Science
Committee, the international gathering included 54 experts from 11
countries representing marine research institutions, transportation
ministries, national ice centers, ship designers and builders, ship
classification experts, international marine transport economists, and
social scientists. The final report from this workshop is available at:
http://www.institutenorth.org
The workshop was the first step in addressing the multi-faceted issues
of future arctic marine transport. In recent years, the retreat of
arctic sea ice has focused renewed attention of the Arctic Ocean as a
potential waterway for marine operations - both coastal/regional traffic
and the possibility of trans-arctic navigation. Several initiatives
underway by the eight member nations of the Arctic Council also led
organizers to convene the world's experts on arctic marine transport.
Topics addressed in the report include historical perspectives, the
arctic climate and sea ice considerations, development and shipping
economics, technological considerations, international cooperation, and
marine environmental safety.
The Arctic Marine Transport Workshop final report was distributed at the
April meetings of the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working
Group in Moscow, Russia and at the Senior Arctic Officials in Yukatia,
Russia. The Council's Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, drawing on the
expertise of nearly 300 scientists, is expected to place an
international spotlight on the increasing possibilities for marine
access throughout the Arctic Ocean. Other Council initiatives underway
with arctic marine components include an Arctic Marine Strategic Plan,
which calls for an Arctic Shipping Assessment; and an Arctic Oil and Gas
Assessment, which will include elements of arctic marine transport and
port operations.
For further information or to request a copy of the workshop report,
please contact:
Ben Ellis
Institute of the North
Phone: 907-344-2445
E-mail: bellis [at] institutenorth.org
or contact:
Dr. Lawson Brigham
US Arctic Research Commission
Phone: 907-271-4577
E-mail: usarc [at] acsalaska.net