RUSSIA authorities issued a total of 631 permits to sail the Northern Sea Route last year, but only 53 transits were compared to 17,000 traversing the Suez Canal because of "stubborn ice".
Until the plunge in oil prices last year, big oil identified the Arctic as the next frontier, igniting a claims rush. But Shell recently abandoned its search and many say major Arctic production may be decades off.
The Alaska Dispatch News also reported more permits have been issued this year - 652 - with time remaining for additional permits to be granted. Routes through the Arctic opened in September when sea ice reaches its annual minimum.
In September, a Chinese captain leading an international crew set a record, sailing a trimaran from Murmansk to the Bering Strait in 13 days, while a Frenchman completed a solo, two-year rowboat transit of the Northwest Passage.
In 2016, the cruise ship Crystal Serenity plans to carry some 1,700 passengers and crew from Seward to New York City via the Northwest Passage.
WORLD SHIPPING
07 October 2015 - 18:29
Northern Sea Route traffic falls - 631 permits issued, 53 transits made
RUSSIA authorities issued a total of 631 permits to sail the Northern Sea Route last year, but only 53 transits were compared to 17,000 traversing the Suez Canal because of "stubborn ice".
WORLD SHIPPING
07 October 2015 - 18:29
Northern Sea Route traffic falls - 631 permits issued, 53 transits made
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