Arctic shipping

Global demand for goods continues to grow while Arctic summer sea ice is shrinking: Arctic shipping is heating up.

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Governance in the world’s smallest ocean

The Central Arctic Ocean is the world’s smallest ocean and is surrounded by Eurasia and North America. As sea ice declines dramatically, many governments are eager to take advantage of the shipping routes and natural resources available in this vulnerable region.

Why it matters

90% of goods are transported by ship, and Arctic routes represent huge potential savings in time and costs.

Although Arctic routes will not be open year round, companies are already investing billions of dollars in tankers capable of going through ice.

Trans-Arctic shipping routes

Shipping routes across the Arctic are significantly shorter than the routes commonly used today.

Our solutions

Take care near wildlife

WWF advises shipping companies on recognizing and avoiding marine mammals in ecologically sensitive areas.

©Rob Oo / flickr / CC BY

Prepare for icy conditions

Ships venturing into Arctic waters must be prepared for Arctic conditions, especially those carrying ecologically hazardous cargos.

©Canon / Brutus Ostling / WWF-Sweden

Prevent the spread of invasives

Operational practices for ships operating in Arctic waters should forbid the discharge of ballast waters in Arctic areas to prevent the introduction of alien species. These measures need to be backed up with monitoring and enforcement.

©Hans Hillewaert / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ban the dirtiest fuel

WWF is advocating for an Arctic-wide ban of Heavy fuel oil (HFO), a particularly dirty type of shipping fuel.

©US Geological Survey

How we work

A quieter ocean for Arctic whales

Whales depend on sound to survive. WWF is working to limit sound pollution in Arctic waters by making parts of the ocean important for whales off limits to particularly loud industrial activities.

Assessing shipping risk

As the Arctic sea ice diminishes, shipping through the Bering Strait region will increase. WWF is working with partners to protect marine resources from the threat of shipwrecks and related oil spills, invasive species, ship strikes, and pollution.

Reducing shipping impacts in Greenland

Increasing demand for Greenlandic resources means ship traffic is likely to grow significantly over the next few decades. WWF advises on the risks and engages communities and governments in discussions about best practices for shipping and marine spatial planning.