Melting of Arctic ice could dramatically increase possibilities for global shipping, reducing time by almost a week for circumpolar routes

In the past, the ice covering the Arctic Ocean has presented a significant barrier to human use. One commentator asserts that, if not for the ice, “the Arctic Ocean would undoubtedly be one of the busiest seas in the history of civilization, rivaling the . . . Mediterranean.”¹² Currently, only coastal regions can be navigated, and even then only by ice-breaker ships during certain times of the year, which leaves the remainder of the ArcticOcean reachable only by submarine.¹³ However,as further advances are made in technology and in the development of ice-breaking equipment, these waterways may become accessible year-round.¹⁴ One result of an ice- free Arctic is the opening up of a new shipping route between Europe and Asia known historically as the Northwest Passage. Access to the Northwest Passage could cut five thousand miles—or up to a week of sailing time— off circumpolar sea voyages, as these ships must otherwise travel via the Panama Canal.¹⁵ It is important to consider, however, that though seasonal melting may make the region more accessible in some respects, such melting will also result in more icebergs, creating new hurdles to access.¹⁶