Shipping is an essential component of the North. Communities rely on ships for resupply, vessels conduct critical research, commercial ships travel for resource extraction and fishing, and the Arctic is rapidly becoming a destination for tourists. Ship traffic in the Arctic is increasing, and will do so in the future as climate change reduces sea ice duration and extent, demand for goods from the North and beyond increases, and infrastructure is improved. Increased shipping brings both risks and opportunities. There may be increases in underwater noise from vessels, interference with marine wildlife, air pollution, possible contamination from spills, invasive species, and icebreaking that can interfere with Inuit travel and wildlife movement, while bringing economic opportunities for northern residents. Conversely, there are impacts on the shipping industry itself. Climate change increases ice mobility that brings risk to vessels, reduced sea ice and shifting economic drivers increase the feasibility of trans-Arctic shipping, and advances in technology and weather, water, ice and climate (WWIC) information makes operations safer. The aim of this session is to present diverse perspectives on Arctic shipping, with a focus on strategies for management and adaptation to the impacts of and on maritime transport.

Jean E. Holloway, William Halliday