Arctic shipping and China : Governance structure and future developments

• Main Author: Hjalti Þór Hreinsson 1984-
• Other Authors: Háskólinn á Akureyri
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Polar law; Heimskautaréttur; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Siglingar; Norður-Íshaf; Kínverjar; Alþjóðaviðskipti; Stjórnsýsluréttur; Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Lanes; Northwest Passage; Northern Sea Route; Northwest passage
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/18634

Læst til 14.4.2017 The goal of this thesis is to study China’s shipping ambitions in the Arctic and the pertinent governing instruments. Arctic shipping poses significant challenges for Arctic governance with increased access to its oceans for shipping companies. Arctic transit is driven by demanding world markets in the West and the rising economic powers of the East, looking for the most cost-efficient routes. Rapid ice melt leads to better access for vessels, but other obstacles await those interested in Arctic shipping as the shortest route might not be the optimum choice. The Arctic shipping routes; the Northwest Passage; the Northern Sea Route; and the Central Arctic Ocean Route, are all at different phases when it comes to access for ships and governance prowess. The main governing bodies of Arctic shipping; UNCLOS; the International Maritime Organization; and Russia‘s and Canada‘s coastal state governance, must strike a balance between environmental protection and a feasible route for shipping companies worldwide. This is especially relevant to China‘s advancing economy and its need to diversify current shipping lanes. China has heightened its interest in the Arctic and now looks for economic opportunities in the North. This thesis brings together three elements of Arctic shipping: its prospect and feasibility, and China‘s interest and Arctic governance, with speculations whether the Arctic Ocean is a feasible transit route for China.