Expert: The Arctic isn’t going to be an economical shipping route anytime soon
The July issue of Proceedings had a good article knocking down the notion that the melting of the polar ice cap means that merchant ships soon will be short-cutting through there. The major reason offered by Stephen Carmel of Maersk Line is that the Arctic routes can only take ships with drafts of less than ...
The July issue of Proceedings had a good article knocking down the notion that the melting of the polar ice cap means that merchant ships soon will be short-cutting through there.
The July issue of Proceedings had a good article knocking down the notion that the melting of the polar ice cap means that merchant ships soon will be short-cutting through there.
The major reason offered by Stephen Carmel of Maersk Line is that the Arctic routes can only take ships with drafts of less than 40 feet, which excludes a lot of big carriers. Also, the Northern Sea route, across the top of Russia, has a beam restriction of 30 meters, as ships cannot be wider than the icebreakers supporting them.
His bottom line is that contrary to some assertions, "Arctic routes do not now offer an attractive alternative to the more traditional maritime avenues, and are highly unlikely to do so in the future."
My one quibble: If there were a major and long war at a significant chokepoint, such as the Suez Canal or Indonesia, that might encourage shipbuilders and shipping companies to adjust to the constraints of the Arctic.
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.
The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.
The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.