The climate change and the warming of Arctic seas as a result, have opened the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as an alternative for more trading routes between Europe and Asia Pacific, an information paper by OCIMF notes.
The NSR is currently being used only by merchant ships and requires a specific risk assessment for any ship transiting it.
The risk assessment must take into consideration the remoteness of the Arctic, the hazards that can occur which will put safe navigation on danger and the measures than can be taken to deal with them.
OCIMF in its paper says that the type of vessel, operational procedures and personal preparation must be planned in advance.
The paper also outlines the challenges and best practices that operators must consider when passing through NSR. It also provides information regarding navigation in NSR.
The goal of this information paper is to help operators make informed decisions regarding the NSR transit. Furthermore, it aims to ensure safe navigation through the Arctic waters and protect the marine environment from possible marine pollution.
For further information about the OCIMF’s paper about the Northern Sea Route, please see the PDF below
