Natural Conditions, Ice Navigation and Ship Design — Pushing the Limits

Abstract

Three practical aspects of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) were reviewed within INSROP’s Sub-Programme I (“Natural Conditions and Ice Navigation”) and Phase 2 simulation study — the natural environment (including sea ice distribution, geographical setting and regional climate), ice navigation (including charts, routes, aids to navigation, communications and convoying), and Arctic ship technology. 58 of 167 INSROP Working Papers contain a wealth of key information regarding these broad topics that are critical to the NSR’s future. Sea-ice data for the Russian Arctic coastal seas were provided primarily in the form of summarized historical records of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) in St. Petersburg. Other important Russian contributions include general NSR geography and routing, ice escort techniques, ice information systems, NSR regulations, historical ice damage to NSR ships, and NSR communication and navigation systems (see figures 1 and 2 for recommended NSR routes during winter and summer). Most of this specialized information has never been available outside Russia. INSROP studies on Arctic ship technology and design were conducted by both Russian and non-Russian engineers and ship designers. INSROP Working Papers also provide essential information in four areas that will facilitate NSR decision-making: the extent and thickness of sea ice in all regions of the Russian Arctic; the constraints on Arctic ship design imposed by the NSR; current and future ice information, particularly enhancements provided by satellite remote sensing; and, key NSR operational procedures and experiences of Russian mariners.