In 2013 the first container ship arrived in Rotterdam using the Northeast Passage along the Russian Arctic, a 3000 km shortcut. It is clear Arctic shipping offers both opportunities and challenges, which will both be discussed at the Arctic Shipping & Offshore Operations Seminar.
Due to decreasing sea ice previously ice covered areas now become available for shipping. Since it is a much shorter route when compared to the Suez Canal route, it saves significant amounts of time and fuel. The Arctic Shipping Seminar will discuss the opportunities of operating in the arctic, for both shipping as well as offshore operations. Furthermore, experienced experts in the field will address the challenges and regulations.
More Ships with Ice Class
The expectations are that shipping activities will increase steadily over the next decades. Oil & gas related activities, new harbours and tourism will further increase Arctic shipping. To illustrate this trend: currently 105 ships are being built; all of them with ice class.
Arctic Challenges
Besides advantages there are also challenges to deal with. Ship owners have to train their crew to work in harsh circumstances. The crew has to deal with challenging tasks such as ice management to predict ice thickness, its volume, and where and when the ice will be present. There are also logistical challenges concerning for instance navigation and communication.
Environmental Performance
Environmental performance is also crucial in order to gain international acceptance of new Arctic activities. Examples are underwater noise, black carbon, effectiveness of ballast water treatment and sensitive areas with marine mammals such as whales, narwhals and belugas.
Arctic Shipping & Offshore Operations Seminar
The seminar takes place Wednesday 16 April at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague and is organised by HME, Canatec, IMARES Wageningen UR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The seminar is supported by TKI Maritiem with the aim to exchange knowledge and disclose a network of arctic professionals within the Netherlands.
