International Straits and Trans-Arctic Navigation

Abstract

The Arctic Ocean is increasingly becoming accessible to international shipping as a result of the reduction in Arctic sea ice. Commercial shipping may seek to transit the Arctic Ocean fromeither the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean and, as a result, the legal regime of straits has significance for trans-Arctic navigation. In this article, current developments in Arctic shipping are assessed and consideration is given to certain Arctic straits that could prove to be pivotal in future Arctic navigation and shipping. These straits include the Bering Strait, Nares Strait, Davis Strait, Fram Strait, and Denmark Strait. Show more