Impact of 1, 2 and 4 °C of global warming on ship navigation in the Canadian Arctic

Shipping routes through the Canadian Arctic are examined under 1, 2 and 4 degrees C global warming across four vessel classes, including ice breakers, Arctic community resupply ships, and passenger and private vessels. All routes show longer shipping seasons and navigability as a result of sea ice loss. Climate change-driven reductions in sea ice have facilitated increased shipping traffic volumes across the Arctic. Here, we use climate model simulations to investigate changing navigability in the Canadian Arctic for major trade routes and coastal community resupply under 1, 2 and 4 degrees C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, on the basis of operational Polar Code regulations. Profound shifts in ship-accessible season length are projected across the Canadian Arctic, with the largest increases in the Beaufort region (100-200 d at 2 degrees C to 200-300 d at 4 degrees C). Projections along the Northwest Passage and Arctic Bridge trade routes indicate 100% navigation probability for part of the year, regardless of vessel type, above 2 degrees C of global warming. Along some major trade routes, substantial increases to season length are possible if operators assume additional risk and operate under marginally unsafe conditions. Local changes in accessibility for maritime resupply depend strongly on community location.

Automated summary

This study uses climate model simulations to investigate changing navigability in the Canadian Arctic for major trade routes and coastal community resupply under different levels of global warming, showing longer shipping seasons and increased shipping traffic due to sea ice loss. The projections indicate significant increases in ship-accessible season length, especially in the Beaufort region, with 100% navigation probability for part of the year above 2 degrees C of global warming on certain trade routes.