THE Arctic ice cap is melting at a rate that could allow routine commercial
shipping through the far north in a decade and open up new fisheries. But a
report for the US Navy seen by New Scientist reveals that naval vessels
will be unable to police these areas.
It was in 1906, after centuries of attempts, that Roald Amundsen finally
navigated the North-West Passage through the sea ice north of Canada. Even
today, only specially strengthened ships can make the trip.
But in 10 years’ time, if melting patterns change as predicted, the
North-West Passage could be open to…
