Arctic Not Ready for Maritime Accidents
The existing infrastructure for responding to maritime accidents in the Arctic is limited and more needs to be done to enhance emergency response capacity as Arctic sea ice declines and ship traffic in the region increases, according to new report recently released by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The report details findings from a panel of experts and decision-makers from Arctic nation governments, industry and indigenous communities convened by the Coastal Response Research Center, a UNH-NOAA partnership housed at the university. The panel assessed the potential threat of maritime accidents in the Arctic and the ability of nations in the region to respond effectively to vessels in distress, oil spills and other situations.
The reduction of polar sea ice and the increasing worldwide demand for energy will likely result in a dramatic increase in the number of vessels that travel Arctic waters. As vessel traffic increases, disaster scenarios are going to become more of a reality. The report’s key recommendations include:
- Strengthening multinational plans and agreements for all types of responses,
- Improving logistical support capabilities for disaster responders,
- Updating weather data and navigational charts for the Arctic,
- Improving technologies for spill response in Arctic conditions,
Designating potential ports in the Arctic where damaged vessels can be taken to safeguard them against the Arctic’s harsh environmental conditions and reduce the risk of harm to the environment.
The report is available at: www.crrc.unh.edu/workshops/arctic_spill_summit/index.htm
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