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For the first time in 12 years, Northern Sea Route passages remained closed

Weathernews Inc Northern sea routes and opening windows
For the first time since 2009, both the Northeast and Northwest passages of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) remained closed in 2021.

Weathernews Inc’s Global Ice Center said that cool temperatures in July 2021 minimised sea ice melt, leaving the largest minimum sea ice level for seven years of 4.61m square kilometres.

At no point in 2021 was the entire route traversable without entering areas of sea ice, a development which has consequences for CO2 emissions from vessels. Ships travelling between Asia and Europe can cut costs and emissions by taking the NSR when it is open.

2021’s closed NSR compares to the longest open period ever in 2020; the route was open for 88 days as arctic temperatures hit record highs. While the Northeast Passage remained closed for the first time since 2009, 2021 was the second consecutive year the Northwest Passage remained closed.

Weathernews said it expects use of the NSR to grow when the IMO’s carbon intensity indicator (CII) scheme starts measuring vessel performance in 2023. CII can be improved by multiple operational measures, including route changes.

“Even though Arctic Ocean sea ice is on a declining trend, sea ice remaining along the coast due to seasonal weather conditions, as was the case this year, can pose the risk of accidents,” said Weathernews.

TAGS: Regulation