Russia to reopen Soviet-era Arctic military base - Page 2

American · #11 (**permalink**) 09-17-2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrLiberty

No, it's not you. You don't reopen a military base with a show of force like this and announce it to world without a good reason.

Russia is flexing muscles they haven't used in years and you have to wonder why.

I was reading somewhere recently that some country was going to start running ships through the arctic waters. I keep thinking Canada but not certain.

Surly · #12 (**permalink**) 09-17-2013, 09:07 AM

If things keep going like they are we all will be. I really think there will be seasonal shipping lanes in the next decade.

Quote:

Originally Posted by American

I was reading somewhere recently that some country was going to start running ships through the arctic waters. I keep thinking Canada but not certain.

Oftencold · #13 (**permalink**) 09-17-2013, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly

If things keep going like they are we all will be. I really think there will be seasonal shipping lanes in the next decade.

Not very likely.

Sail-World.com : North West Passage blocked with ice - yachts caught
August 29, 2013

Quote:

he Northwest Passage after decades of so-called global warming has a dramatic 60% more Arctic ice this year than at the same time last year. The future dreams of dozens of adventurous sailors are now threatened. A scattering of yachts attempting the legendary Passage are caught by the ice, which has now become blocked at both ends and the transit season may be ending early. Douglas Pohl tells the story:

The Passage has become blocked with 5/10 concentrated drifting sea ice at both the eastern and at the western ends of Canada’s Arctic Archipelago. At least 22 yachts and other vessels are in the Arctic at the moment. Some who were less advanced have retreated and others have abandoned their vessels along the way. Still others are caught in the ice in an unfolding, unresolved drama.

The real question is if and when the Canadian Coast Guard(CCG) decides to take early action to help the yachts exit the Arctic before freeze-up... or will they wait until it becomes an emergency rescue operation?

Quote:

Several updates on known others:
LE MANGUIER (FRA) is wintering over in the ice at Paulatuk. Motor Yacht Lady M II (Marshal Islands) was escorted by CCGS icebreaker HENRY LARSEN through Bellot Strait eastbound on 20130824. ARCTIC TERN (GBR) and TOOLUKA (NED) retreated to the east towards Greenland/Newfoundland away from Bellot Strait on 20130822 with the opinion that the Arctic ice was finished melting and freeze-up would prevent them from reaching the Northwest Passage finish line at the Arctic Circle in the Bering Strait.

Remember the old adage: "Life's a 'witch,' and then you freeze."

Jackass master · #14 (**permalink**) 09-17-2013, 11:09 PM

Several shipping companies made some passages this year but have quit already and it may be years till they can resume.

saltwn · #15 (**permalink**) 09-18-2013, 02:04 AM

Russia can move everything piece by piece down to the ME. Great shipping lanes there.

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