Changing face of the Arctic Ocean

[fusu]

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200811/map-arctic

Most telling stat: distance from Rotterdam to Yokohama over the pole, 5,600 miles. Distance via the Suez (the next shortest route) 11,200 miles.

this graphic appeared in the Atlantic this November. I'd be curious to hear how you guys think the opening of the arctic to sea traffic will shape the strategic relationships and naval strategies of the United States and larger world.

I know the Coast Guard has beefed up their base in barrow alaska and that Canada is planning on building a series of armored icebreakers.

 

[Single Seat]

Excuse me, while I go dump gas.

 

[eddie]

Do icebergs and free sea ice, etc pose the same problem to shipping like they did in 1912?

Even if they didn't, this would only be a seasonal route, but still interesting to think about.

 

[Birdog8585]

I'd like to see the pirates migrate to that shipping lane.

 

[Hozer]

More importantly, think of all the new and exciting duty stations that could open up (or reopen as the case may be).
Keflavik part deux anyone? :icon_tong

 

[HeyJoe]

This has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. Check out date on this report. Zdenka Willis has been talking about this eventuality for at least a decade and what it might mean to Carrier Strike Group operations above the Arctic Circle. Looks like there's going to be a bumper crop of Blue Noses!

 

[scoolbubba]

More importantly, think of all the new and exciting duty stations that could open up (or reopen as the case may be).
Keflavik part deux anyone? :icon_tong

iceland could be fun. greenland could suck balls.

tricky vikings and their tricky names.

 

[Uncle Fester]

iceland could be fun. greenland could suck balls.

tricky vikings and their tricky names.

...not to mention the Spam... .

Seriously, though, folks. Sitting on a developing major world shipping lane, a potential shite-tonne of oil, and a grouchy, well-armed Bear looming over the horizon, Canada's suddenly remembering why they have a military (there were serious thoughts given to disbanding the CAF altogether in the '90's). How we'll play in this particular drama remains to be seen, although the Russkies are still bad guys and Canada's still in NATO. Dubai and Bahrain are getting old for port calls, I guess we'll be back in Keflavik and Halifax soon enough.

Interesting times.

 

[HAL Pilot]

...not to mention the Spam....

Spam...the meat of choice in Hawaii...everyone loves Spam Musubi for breakfast...

 

[Sky-Pig]

Sweet. I always knew all the far-north grid navigation I "learned" in nav school at Randolph AFB would come in handy some day.

That...and flying out of Gander or Comox would make for a nice contrast to the desert. Somehow I don't see the Canucks restricting us to 3 beers a day.

 

[nittany03]

That...and flying out of Gander or Comox would make for a nice contrast to the desert. Somehow I don't see the Canucks restricting us to 3 beers a day.

But then you'd have to drink Molson. Yeesh.

 

[loadtoad]

When I saw this video I thought of all the nature lovers and eco friendly people here on AW. Enjoy