Melting Ice Allows Shipping Across The Arctic

The Panama Canal has challenged large shipping companies because drought has lowered the water level. The Suez Canal is vulnerable to attacks by Houthi rebels. An alternative route has been established near the northern border of Russia and through the Arctic Ocean. It has been opened up by climate change. 

The route can save days, even weeks, for shipments in the Northern Hemisphere. According to Semafor, “The Istanbul Bridge, a Chinese-owned ship, is seeking to become the first container ship to traverse the NSR on its route from China to Britain.”

Shortens Route, Saves Money

The opportunity to use the passage is unfortunate due to its implications regarding global warming. In parts of the Arctic Circle, temperatures have reached 70°F in the summer. The melting of the glaciers in this part of the world and Greenland is staggering. 

This new Arctic route will never again be blocked in the summer. As time passes, it may be available for even longer periods of the year. 

Correction: The temperature level should have been 60°F.