Arctic transportation systems during World War II

Abstract

The Lend-Lease program was the main international project on freight logistics in the Arctic during World War II. Delivering military and food supplies from the Allies became the key aspect of collaboration between the USSR, UK and USA. The Northern Sea Route was one of the main Lend-Lease transportation modes, allowing to deliver approximately 22.7% of all supplies to the USSR. The supplies mostly consisted of non-military goods (e.g. food), while military goods were presented by a smaller portion. Northern Sea Route was passing through the Norwegian and Barents Seas to Arkhangelsk and Murmansk. Even though it was relatively short, Northern Sea Route had some significant disadvantages. For instance, ships carrying supplies from the Allies would encounter with Nazi aviation and fleet based in Norway and Finland in a combat zone. The Soviet Union had to improve harbours’ infrastructure in Arkhangelsk and Murmansk to increase its capacity, which would require various transportation means including icebreakers and tugs, as well as handling equipment and workforce. Moreover, the Arctic convoys had to endure severe weather conditions, as hurricanes and tidal waves in autumn, polar night and drift ice in winter. Nevertheless, the Northern Sea Route played a vital strategic role as the main transportation system for the Soviet Union in 1941-1942, the most difficult period of World War II.