A Path Towards Arctic Presence: Stricter Regulation as the First Step in Free Navigation
Journal: eYLS (Yale Law School)
Year: 2019

The Arctic ice cap is melting. As the ice recedes, shipping lanes are opening that present shorter transport routes across the top of the globe. Industry analysts predict an Arctic shipping boom in coming years. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented a Polar Code (the “Polar Code” or the “Code”) to place heightened environmental and safety requirements on ships traversing the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These rules are binding on the United States, and the U.S.