LNG carrier transits the Northeast Passage in winter
For the first time, a Russian LNG tanker passed through the Northeast Passage in January. This brings the Northern Sea Route one step closer to being navigable year-round.
President Biden halts drilling projects in Alaska
Just hours after his inauguration, President Joe Biden temporarily halted drilling projects in Alaska’s wildlife refuge.
Russia’s nuclear submarine drones receive coastal base
Russia’s nuclear drone project “Poseidon” is to have its own coastal base by next year. In addition, the tests have been postponed until 2021.
Russia’s Arctic ministry gets three new ministers
The Russian Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic has three new ministers following the resignation of Alexander Krutikov.
New fisheries agreement between EU and Greenland
The EU and Greenland have concluded a new agreement on sustainable fisheries for the next four years. This can be extended by two years.
Alexander Krutikov steps down after 6½ years
Russia’s First Deputy Minister for the Development of the Far East Alexander Krutikov leaves office after 6.5 years of work.
Antarctic aerodrome creates a stir
Australia’s proposed aerodrome in Antarctica is meeting with environmental and political criticism and concerns around the world.
US Navy with new Arctic strategy
The US Navy has presented the blueprint of its Arctic strategy and sees a need for action against Russia and China.
New entry regulations for Franz Josef Land?
At the conference of the Ministry of Far East and Arctic, tourism and an easier entry to Franz Josef Land were discussed.
Upgrading weather stations in the Northeast Passage
The existing weather stations are getting older and are to be upgraded. Roshydromet is also to receive funds for the revision of the information system “Sever”.
US court rejects auction stop
The lawsuit filed by opponents of the proposed sale of mining rights in ANWR was denied by the U.S. District Court in Alaska.
Alaska’s wildlife refuge and the Washington showdown
A showdown is brewing in Washington between Trump supporters and opponents on several fronts, including for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Battle for the Arctic – America not ready
U.S. policymakers and global strategists have long misjudged the Arctic as a strategic region, according to The National Interest. Now this is taking its toll, wrote the American journal.
28 new names in Antarctica
The Government of the British Antarctic Territory announced that 28 new place names will be applied in the British Antarctic Territory.
EU-UK Agreement without Falkland Islands
The UK-EU trade deal on Brexit does not apply to the Falkland Islands.
Swiss Polar Institute rises on national level
The status of the Swiss Polar Institute has been raised and now allows greater support for Swiss polar research projects.
Upcoming flights between Canada and Greenland?
Canadian North and Air Greenland have signed a letter of intent. The possibility of air connections between Greenland and Canada will be examined.
From “Sysselmannen” to “Sysselmester”
The administration on Svalbard will be given a gender-neutral name and will be called “Sysselmester” as of July 1st next year.
No focus on Falklands appeals on Brexit
The UK government has not included the Falkland Islands’ appeal to avoid tariffs on fishery products in the Brexit negotiations.
Global warming causes gigantic damage
Global warming is showing its dramatic effects. The direct damage from warming in the Russian Arctic could be around 100 billion euros.
Greenland closes for Christmas
Fearing that they will not get a grip on the spread of COVID-19, the government of Greenland has ordered a stop of all flights between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq before Christmas.
Last major U.S. bank rejects Arctic drilling plans
That is likely to further annoy President Trump: the last major US bank refuses to finance exploration projects in the Arctic.
Stormy times for Greenlands politics
In Greenland, the ruling Party Siumut is discussing the future and a new head of government after the deselection of Kim Kielsen.
Fisheries agreement between Greenland and Great Britain
An agreement on fisheries cooperation brings about an annual meeting between Greenland and the United Kingdom (UK) and simplified controls.
