Arctic voyage to give IMO Secretary-General first-hand insight on polar issues
An opportunity to discuss matters re Arctic navigation IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu will depart on Thursday 15 August, on a 5-day Arctic sea voyage as part of a fact-finding mission to the region.Mr. Sekimizu will be the guest of the Government of the Russia aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker50 Let Pobedy as she voyages on the Northern Sea Route that links Europe and northern Russia.The trip comes against a background of increasing interest within the global shipping community in utilizing the Northern Sea Route and other northern passages, as Arctic sea ice recedes and the navigation season becomes longer.During the voyage, Mr. Sekimizu will see, at first hand, the effects of climate change on the sea ice coverage, and assess how the facilities and infrastructure needed for Arctic navigation are being developed along the Siberian coastline of the Russian Federation.It will also provide an opportunity to discuss related matters such as the logistics and supplies required to support Arctic navigation, the need for special qualifications for ships' officers operating in the region and for the provision of adequate ice-breaking capability.The safety of ships operating in the harsh, remote and vulnerable polar areas and the protection of the pristine environments around the ...
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