Rising Arctic Shipping Activity

A recent report showed that shipping activity in the Arctic is reaching unprecedented levels, driven by longer ice-free seasons, melting sea ice, and rising demand for Arctic resources, such as iron ore and natural gas. According to the Arctic Council’s Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME), 1,812 unique ships (counted only once even if they made multiple Arctic voyages) entered the Arctic Polar Code area in 2025, a 40% increase since 2013. The total distance sailed by vessels nearly doubled over the same period, from 6.1 million to 11.9 million nautical miles, highlighting the rapid expansion of Arctic navigation. September remains the peak month, with over 1,000 ships operating in the region when sea ice is at its minimum.

Fishing vessels are the most common ships in Arctic waters, representing 40% of traffic, followed by general cargo ships. Crude oil tankers, bulk carriers, and cruise ships have experienced the highest relative growth, with crude oil tankers increasing by 396% since 2013. Projects such as the Mary River Mine in Nunavut and Russia’s Yamal Gas project have driven much of this increase, enabling new trade routes.

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, known as the Polar Code, provides standards for safety and environmental protection. Adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2017, it sets mandatory standards for ship design, construction, equipment, operational procedures, and crew training. The code aims to enhance safety and reduce environmental impact in polar regions. Compliance with the Polar Code is a key step in ensuring that Arctic shipping remains as safe and sustainable as possible. 

As activity increases, PAME emphasizes the importance of accurate monitoring and reporting. The Arctic Ship Traffic Data System tracks ship types, routes, port activity, and emissions. This information is used for assessing shipping trends and supporting policy development. In an Arctic opening faster than ever before, shipping activity managed according to regulations and monitoring will contribute to operating safely and minimizing impacts on the region. 

Léa Zinsli, PolarJournal