Double Acting Ship
Polar Technology

Arctic Bridge
Polar Trade Route

Canadian Shipping
Coast Guard Support

References

The regional use of Canadian Arctic waters for commercial shipping has been prevalent for decades as highlighted with the more than 20-year operating lifespan of the Polaris and Nanisivik Mines – located respectively on Little Cornwallis Island and Baffin Island, until their closures in 2002.      

Double Acting Ship (supply/icebreaker) -- the future of Arctic shippin
Image Credit: Aker Arctic Technology Inc.
 
More recently, Arctic commercial shipping is receiving greater attention as the summer melting season has intensified and is diminishing sea ice concentrations.  Secondly, geographic, technology and economic factors support the development of both long-term maritime trade routes and natural resource projects requiring polar shipping solutions.

Drawing attention to the framework surrounding polar shipping, this section provides context for the growth potential of this industry.