Abstract
The analysis in hand provides a brief assessment of the United States’ and Canada’s marine transportation system and relevant search and rescue (SAR) support in relation to the Northwest Passage, with the purpose of examining to what extent these countries’ relevant infrastructure resources are able to meet the expected growth of shipping operations and business activities in the Arctic. Through an extensive literature review, this assessment will specifically describe the most important influences upon the maritime transportation system, with the issue of certain geographical details and the capabilities of existing ports standing out. Additionally, vessel activity trends and vessel traffic routing measure initiatives will be examined. Furthermore, the SAR infrastructure details and means to render assistance to people in distress along the Northwest Passage will be discussed. The reality remains that port characteristics are limited and vessel traffic routing measure initiatives and upgrades to SAR assets are commendable but slow-paced. It is true that both the United States and Canada are taking proper measures to build up infrastructure needs, but they both may run out of time to put adequate infrastructure in place to deal effectively with the changing environment.
Highlights
Harsh environmental conditions and remoteness characterize the wider Arctic region, which is a rather difficult and dangerous area to live and conduct business endeavors within
This paper has identified, analyzed, and evaluated the impact of operations and infrastructures from the maritime logistics perspective
On 7 May 2019, the Arctic Council held its Eleventh Ministerial Meeting in Rovaniemi, Finland. Both the United States and Canada were at the meeting, which commended those exercises that have advanced the implementation of the search and rescue (SAR) agreements and encouraged the continuation of exercise activities aiming at deepening practical cooperation with the Arctic Coast Guard Forum [43]
Summary
Harsh environmental conditions and remoteness characterize the wider Arctic region, which is a rather difficult and dangerous area to live and conduct business endeavors within. In view of anticipated issues with future developments within this region, this approach will consider the pursuit of vessel traffic management initiatives and the process related to international approval and Logistics 2021, 5, 23 recognition of such initiatives This raises the issues of how the current state of marine transportation system and SAR infrastructure will fare against the vessel activity trends and growing environmental risks and concerns. The two countries strive to embrace opportunities and confront challenges with the following objectives: conserving Arctic biodiversity through science-based decision-making, incorporating Indigenous science and traditional knowledge into decision-making, building a sustainable Arctic economy, and supporting strong Arctic communities [10] This shared mindset and eagerness for collaboration is vital to realistically recognize and address infrastructure needs relating to the maritime transportation system and SAR support along the Northwest Passage. This initiative comes with legitimate concerns, such as the potential for shipping to interfere with local hunting, for vessels to affect marine mammals, and for shipping to harm the health of the marine ecosystem [17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
