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Shipping in the Bering Strait Region

Summary of Recommendations

Container ship on sea ice.
Westend 61 / Getty Images

Ship Strikes and Noise

A WHALE SPOUTS IN THE FOREGROUND AS A CONTAINER SHIP PASSES IN THE DISTANCE.
Jeremy Francis

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

THE "SELENDANG AYU" AGROUND IN THE ALEUTIANS, SPILLING OIL AND KILLING SIX.
Doug Helton / NOAA

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

AIR POLLUTION FROM A CRUISE SHIP.
gcammarata / Adobe Stock

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

MARINE EXCHANGE OF ALASKA OPS CENTER.
Alaska Marine Exchange

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

THE BOW OF A TANKER SHIP PUMPING ITS BILGE.
Adobe Stock

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

A "ROAD END" SIGN AT THE EDGE OF THE BERING SEA PACK ICE, NOME, ALASKA.
WorldFoto

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.

ACT NOW

Overview

The Bering Strait

The sun's reflection on Arctic sea ice.
Silver / Adobe Stock

Ship Strikes and Underwater Noise

A WHALE DIVES UNDER WHILE AS A CARGO SHIP PASSES IN THE DISTANCE.
T_O_M_O / ADOBE STOCK

Heavy Fuel Oil

The bow of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy in the Beaufort Sea, northeast of Barrow, Alaska.
NASA/Kathryn Hansen

Shipping Emissions

RED OIL TANKER ANCHORED OFFSHORE AND RUNNING ITS ENGINES.
Panalot/Adobe Stock

At-Sea-Transfer of Fuel

A SHIP TO SHIP TRANSFER OF FUEL KNOWN AS "LIGHTERING."
ZUMA Press, Inc.

Sewage and Greywater Pollution

A LARGE TANKER SHIP PUMPING IS BILGE.
Sunsinger / Adobe Stock

No-Go Zones for Shipping

A "ROAD END" SIGN AT THE EDGE OF THE BERING SEA PACK ICE, NOME, ALASKA.
WorldFoto