Shipping in the Bering Strait Region

Summary of Recommendations

Ship Strikes and Noise

Recommendations

Ships should use traffic routes designed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and avoid designated no-go zones.

To avoid ship strikes, vessels should slow down when they encounter pods of large, slow-moving whales.

Slower ship speeds can also reduce emissions and lessen underwater noise.

A variety of other ship design considerations, maintenance practices, policy solutions and economic incentives can decrease underwater noise and its impacts.

Routing measures and no-go zones help reduce underwater noise, improving ecological integrity and resilience of species.

Heavy Fuel Oil

Recommendations

The International Maritime Organization should adopt a proposed ban that would prohibit ships from using or carrying HFO in the Arctic.

A similar ban is already in effect in Antarctic waters.

Shipping Emissions

Recommendations

Urge the IMO to adopt a plan that will quickly and dramatically eliminate emissions from global shipping.

In the short-term, implement proven measures such as “slow steaming.” Slowing vessels by just 20% can cut carbon dioxide emissions by one third and – with modified engines — reduce black carbon emissions by 15%.

In the long term, switch to alternative, renewable fuels to power vessels.

At-Sea Transfer of Fuel

Recommendations

Identify a limited number of areas where at-sea transfer of fuel can safely take place.

Ensure adequate spill response equipment is available in lightering zones.

Improve nautical charts to prevent groundings and other accidents.

Adopt a standardized set of best practices to reduce the risk of spills and minimize impacts.

Sewage and Greywater Pollution

Recommendations

Strengthen international laws to restrict greywater discharges.

Establish “no-discharge” zones in sensitive marine areas.

Require vessels to store sewage and greywater onboard while traveling in the Arctic and offload it only in ports.

No-Go Zones and Lanes for Shipping

Recommendations

Work with Russia to establish a transboundary ATBA surrounding the Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait.

Explore the establishment of additional ATBA in other parts of the Arctic, including the Chukchi and Beaufort seas.

Expand the St. Lawrence Island ATBA to include more of the southern polynya.

Consult with Indigenous communities about shipping-related impacts and provide a meaningful role for Tribes in decision-making.

The Bering Strait is a place like nowhere else on Earth — and it's worth protecting.

Tell decision-makers to protect the Bering Strait’s incomparable marine wildlife from increasing shipping.

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Shipping in the Bering Strait Region

Summary of Recommendations

Ship Strikes and Noise

Recommendations

Heavy Fuel Oil

Recommendations

Shipping Emissions

Recommendations

At-Sea Transfer of Fuel

Recommendations

Sewage and Greywater Pollution

Recommendations

No-Go Zones and Lanes for Shipping

Recommendations

The Bering Strait is a place like nowhere else on Earth — and it's worth protecting.

Less Ice, More Ships = New Challenges

View Map

Overview

The Bering Strait

Ship Strikes and Underwater Noise

Heavy Fuel Oil

Shipping Emissions

At-Sea-Transfer of Fuel

Sewage and Greywater Pollution

No-Go Zones for Shipping

Shipping in the Bering Strait Region

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS