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Executive Summary for February 4th

We review and analyze the latest news and most important developments in the Arctic, including how satellite technology is changing the way we operate in the Arctic and collaboration between the U.S. and China to develop the Northeast Passage as an international trade route.

Published on Feb. 4, 2016 Read time Approx. 2 minutes

U.S.-China Cooperation on Northeast Passage Development

One of the world’s largest shipping operators and a leader in marine standards development have teamed up to expand shipping in the Arctic, reported the Independent Barents Observer.

The China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) aim to expand COSCO’s use of the Northeast Passage. The route connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by running along the Northern Sea Route and into the Barents Sea.

The Northeast Passage would provide a shorter link between Asian and European ports than offered by the Suez Canal route.

Climate models suggest that shipping routes in the Arctic may become more accessible as the Arctic Ocean becomes increasingly ice-free during the summer. However, ice variability, shallow water and economic and regulatory factors will determine whether or not these routes are economically feasible.

According to a press release issued by ABS, the partnership will extend to exploring the navigation of the Northwest Passage that runs through the Canadian Arctic archipelago and involve the development of ice-class vessels suitable for Trans-Arctic shipping.

Satellites Change Our View of the Arctic

Satellites orbiting the Earth are helping officials enforce environmental laws in the Arctic, Eye on the Arctic reported.

The Arctic is expansive and remote, making it difficult for coastal officials to track down ships that have spilled oil or illegally dumped waste into the ocean. But satellites, including two operated by the Norwegian Space Centre, can spot oil spills and target illegal fishing activity, the article said.

Pal Brekke, a senior adviser at the Norwegian Space Centre, was quoted in the article, saying that there had been a decrease in illegal activity.

New dishes that receive data from orbiting satellites are being built in the north.

But communications satellites tend to orbit the equator, meaning coverage of higher latitudes is spotty. Several countries, including Norway and Canada, are interested in building polar orbiting satellites to improve communication for the shipping industry, cruise lines and search and rescue operations.

Recommended Reading

Top image: COSCO, China Ocean Shipping Group Company, headquartered in Beijing, has teamed up with the American Bureau of Shipping to develop the Northeast Passage. (AP photo/Mary Altaffer)

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