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Researchers investigate the correlation between wind and wave height in the Arctic Ocean.

Fourteen dead in Russian submarine fire.

MACRON Calls on Shipping Lines to Shun Arctic Trade.

CMA-CGM: No Plans For Arctic Routes.

Russian Military Exercises Impact Arctic Cruises.

Russia invests billions into Arctic dredging projects.

Russia launches floating nuclear reactor in Arctic despite warnings.

The Arctic is among the most rapidly-changing regions on Earth. Diminishing levels of sea-ice has increased opportunities for maritime activities in historically inaccessible areas such as the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage. Degradation of Arctic marine ecosystems may accompany expanding vessel operations through introduced underwater noise, potential for large oil spills, among other things; and may compound stressors already effecting biological populations due to climate change. Assessments are needed to track changes in vessel traffic patterns and associated environmental impacts. We analyzed Arctic-wide vessel Automatic Identification System data 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 to quantify the amount and spatial distribution of vessel operations, assess possible changes in these operations, and establish a baseline for future monitoring. Nearly 400,000 vessel transits were analyzed. Number of trips, hours of operation, and amount of sea surface exposed to vessel traffic were used to compare operations between 14 delineated waterways. Operations were extensive and diverse: an average of 132,828 trips were made annually by over 5,000 different vessels. Transits were made in all areas studied and all months of the year. Maritime activities were intensive in some areas, but ice-limited in others. Amount of sea surface exposed to vessel traffic exceeded 70% in all but three areas. Bulk carriers, cargo ships, passenger/cruise ships, research survey ships, and vessels supporting oil/gas-related activities were represented. However, fishing vessels, primarily in the BARENTS, BERING, and Norwegian Seas, surpassed operations of all other vessel types and comprised about one-half of all voyages each year. We observed no overt increasing or decreasing trends in vessel traffic volume in our limited study period. Instead, inter-year variation was evident. While the number of unique vessels and transits increased year-to-year, hours of operation declined in the s

Russian Ship Succeeds on Northern Sea Route.

China to enhance communication ability in Northeast Passage of Arctic.

Big growth in Russian Arctic ports.

A major new IIASA report highlights new and emerging policy trends in the Arctic, a region on the front lines of climate change, geopolitics, and global governance.

Kirkenes, nouvelle porte de l'Arctique - Grand reportage

TRUMP's defense chief cites climate change as national security challenge.

Russia floats out powerful nuclear icebreaker.

MSC Rules Out Northern Sea Route.

Russia Presses For Northern Sea Route.

Shipping volumes on the Northern Sea Route are up by more than 60 percent.

Green light for new seaport in Novaya Zemlya.