US senator demands icebreakers as low oil prices cut Arctic shipping
Time：2016-04-13
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While global warmists cheer him on, low oil prices have dissuaded investors from aggressive exploration, reducing a major role of Arctic shipping.
While new routes have opened in the Arctic, many countries have sought to develop new strategies and increase investments for commerce and national defence, reported Alaska`s Kodiak Mirror.
This includes the acquisition of icebreakers, ships used to break ice and create pathways for other vessels, he said.
The US has two icebreakers, but only one capable of year-round service. It`s 40 years old and to remain in service for seven years.
But Russia has de-prioritised its icebreaker building plans to serve the Northern Sea Route (NSR) from Asia, reported the Independent Barents Observer, of Kirkenes, Norway.
Transit traffic volume has decreased from a peak of 1.3 million tonnes in 2013 to less than 40,000 tonnes in 2015, according to the NSR Administration.
Apart from the usual difficulties with changing ice conditions on the Northern Sea Route, the low price of oil makes fuel savings less of a reason to chose the shorter route. And, of course, less interest in oil exploration. This applies to North American Arctic waters too.