Early Freeze in Arctic Northern Sea Route Traps Ships, Icebreakers Dispatched

The Barents Observer reports that more than 20 ships are either stuck or struggling to make it through increasingly thick sea-ice on the Arctic Northern Sea Route. They report that over the past several years, shipping along the Russian northern … Continue reading

US and Canadian Coast Guard Team Up to Rescue Laker SS Arthur M. Anderson

The US and Canadian Coast Guards have been working jointly to free the iconic Great Lakes bulk carrier, SS Arthur M. Anderson, stuck in the ice in Lake Erie near Conneaut Harbor.  The laker had been bound for Sturgeon Bay, WI when it … Continue reading

From Drought to Extreme Cold – Europe’s Waterways Freezing Over

Pity the river boatman. Just a few months ago, a European drought lowered the water levels on many rivers and canals, significantly limiting barge and ship traffic.  The lower river levels also unexpectedly exposed un-exploded ordinance from  World War II.   In … Continue reading

Update: Tanker Renda and USCG Icebreaker Healy Making Slow Progress to Nome

When the sled dog, Balto, arrived with emergency supplies for the icebound town of Nome in 1926, a statue was erected in his honor in New York City’s Central park.  When the Russian ice strengthened tanker Renda, escorted by the USCG’s icebreaker Healy arrive … Continue reading