(by Arnfinn Jørgensen-Dahl)

Through the analysis of its Arctic Container Project (ARCON), Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has essentially said much of what need be said at this time about the Trans Polar Passage (TPP) from a shipping opportunities point of view. “At present the ice conditions are too heavy for the benefits to exceed the expected additional costs, especially during winter time, and further reductions in ice extent and thickness is required to release the full potential… There is a potential for profit from Arctic trade routes, but not in the near future”.  It would not be unreasonable to conclude that it may take another 10 to 20 years before the conditions along the TPP may prove attractive enough for shipping companies and shippers to use the TPP¹ . There are no resources in the vicinity of the route and the future promise of the TPP lies in its potential as a future transit route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Arnfinn Jørgensen-Dahl, 2010, The Trans Polar Passage, CHNL.©