Arctic Shipping

[FredericLasserre]

I am doing a research on marine transportation in the Northwest Passage.
I am wondering to what extent shipping companies are interested in using this new Arctic route, and why. So far, a few told me they were interested, but many said no.

 

[SirSnoozalot]

I was just pondering, theoretically, Global Warming will open the route more.

 

[Kukri]

With respect, you've missed something very important.

The NW Passage is shallow!

 

[philip_stevens]

but ice strengthened tankers have transitted in the past - albeit with ice-breaker accompaniment.

 

[SirSnoozalot]

How shallow?

 

[robstracey]

A good idea, but impractical for the vast majority of shipping. Many charter parties and insurance policies forbid passage in high lattitudes. Often to the extent that a longer route is taken to avoid these lattitudes. A common one is to take a rhumb line, or composite great circle between the USA/Canada and the far east, to avoid passing north of the alutians.

An exciting prospect though!