IMO and Arctic States Face Criticism Over Weak HFO Ban An IMO sub-committee approved a proposed Arctic heavy fuel oil ban. Environmental advocates and indigenous peoples’ groups criticized the ban as insufficient and called on Arctic states to pass stronger regulation on their own.
Norway Announces Plans For HFO Ban around Svalbard Leapfrogging Proposed IMO Regulation A week before the IMO is expected to finalize a proposed heavy fuel oil ban for the entire Arctic, Norway announced plans for more stringent regulation for waters surrounding Svalbard.
Kremlin Prioritizes Commercial Considerations in Arctic Safety Dispute The serious violation of Arctic shipping safety rules by Yamal LNG carrier Boris Vilkitsky last month has escalated a growing conflict about the regulation of and control over the Northern Sea Route.
Yamal LNG Carrier Boris Vilkitsky Permitted to Leave With Icebreaker Escort The ice-class LNG Boris Vilkitsky was permitted to leave after being detained by the Russian Coast Guard for a week. Questions remain surrounding the enforcement of safety rules along the Northern Sea Route.
Yamal LNG Carrier Boris Vilkitsky In Gross Violation of Safety Rules on NSR The LNG Carrier Boris Vilkitsky, operated by Dynagas LNG Partners, a joint venture by Dynagas, Sinotrans, and China LNG Shipping, entered Northern Sea Route last week in violation of the Rules of Navigation. Safety concerns on the route abound in the light of nearly 100 violations in 2017 alone. Will Russian authorities act to ensure safety along the route?
Dozens of Vessels Violate Safety Rules on Northern Sea Route During the first ten months of 2017, the Russian Northern Sea Route Administration recorded 88 violations of its Rules of Navigation committed by 84 vessels. This represents approximately 15-20 % of all ships traveling the route this summer.
Environmental Groups Push For Stronger Polar Code When the Polar Code takes effect in January 2017, it will strengthen the rules for many of the vessels sailing through Arctic waters. It will help protect the Arctic environment, but experts say gaps remain.
