Chinese parliament decides on “Polar Silk Road”
The Chinese People’s Congress in Beijing decided on March 5, 2021 to participate in the construction of a “Polar Silk Road”.
Closure of the Nikel plant at last
The small town of Nikel, in the far northwest of Russia suffered greatly from air pollution from the local nickel smelter. This has now been closed.
Russia launches first Arktika-M weather satellite
The Arktika-M-1 satellite was launched on February 28, 2021 and is the first of ten Arktika satellites that Roscosmos plans to put into orbit over the next few years.
Icebreaker “Arktika” in service again
The most modern ship of Russia’s fleet of icebreaker, the “Arktika” has left Murmansk after a longer stay and is again used for pilotage.
New knockout for US Arctic drilling plans thanks to polar bears
Thanks to polar bear conservation, plans for preliminary oil exploration in ANWR will not receive approval and remain on hold.
First two-way winter-crossing of the Northeast Passage
This is the first time in history that a cargo ship has sailed through the icy Northeast Passage in both directions in January and February. The
Arctic fisheries become a political crisis area
Fishing in the Arctic is increasingly becoming a political issue with disputes between Norway and the EU and new announcements from Russia.
Denmark increases budget for the Arctic
Denmark currently has only one aircraft, four helicopters and four ships to monitor the Arctic in Greenland. Now the budget for monitoring will be increased.
No cruise ships in Canada until February 2022
As the Canadian government announced there will be no cruises in their waters this year. This applies for now until the end of February 2022.
Nornickel fined 1.62 billion Euros
The court in Krasnoyarsk has ruled that the “Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company” will have to pay 146 billion Rubles for environmental damage.
USA & Russia: Joint effort against marine pollution
The Joint Contingency Plan of the United States of America & the Russian Federation in Combating Pollution on the Bering and Chukchi Seas was updated a few days ago.
North Pole – Camp Barneo cancelled again
What was expected for days has now arrived – the Icecamp Barneo will not be built, again because of COVID. The 2021 season therefore ends before it even begins.
Greenland – Search for uranium approved!
The Greenland Government authorises the French company “Orano” SA to carry out test drilling under certain health and safety conditions.
Ireland and Estonia’s Arctic ambitions
The applications for membership of Ireland and Estonia as observers in the Arctic Council could become an indicator of relations between the major powers in the Arctic.
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.
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.
