| Summary: | Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate on whether liner shipping should be allowed in the Arctic after analysing its positive and negative impacts. This is in light of the current excitement surrounding the Arctic Ocean. The effects of global warming and climate change on this region have resulted in the rapid and massive loss of sea-ice extent each Arctic summer, thus inadvertently opening up new shipping routes in the far North. Therefore, this research seeks to examine if liner shipping in the Arctic will cause more harm than good to the Arctic ecosystem and environment. Methodology / Approach: Following an inductive approach, the research is based on two strategies – grounded theory and a case study. These involve the collection and critical analysis of both quantitative and qualitative secondary data. The data includes tables and visual materials that are collected through electronic sources, academic journals and maritime publications, such as Lloyd’s List. In addition, reports published by organisations, such as The Arctic Institute, will be collected and analysed. The research topic is investigated according to the pragmatism research philosophy, by means of grounded theory and a case study on the Polar Code. Findings: The current research has found that there are no strong and adequate response plans in case of an accident or an oil spill in the Arctic Ocean. One of the most significant findings to emerge from the research is that the Arctic Council is paving the way for increased drilling and oil exploration in the Arctic. Based on current developments with regards to the Polar Code, it can be concluded that liner shipping should not be allowed in the far North, as there are no enforceable regulations in mitigating the risks associated with catastrophic events that could possibly take place in the Arctic. While researching, it was found that liner shipping activities in the Arctic will exacerbate the current issues surrounding the Arctic ecosystem and environment. Unless radical measures and precautionary steps are taken by liner ship operators in mitigating the environmental impacts on the Arctic, liner shipping should not be allowed in that region. Practical implications: The evidence from this research highlights the importance of drafting and implementing a set of regulations with regards to environmental protection matters in the Arctic. Liner shipping is set to increase in the future and if there are no set policies in place for ships, the Arctic ecosystem and environment will deteriorate to the point of no return. Originality / Value: Previous studies mainly focussed on the overall advantages of commercial shipping via the Arctic, in comparison to traditional routes, either via the Suez or Panama Canals. However, there has been very little discussion on the consequences of these shipping activities in the Arctic. Most authors emphasised on the increase in commercial shipping via the Arctic and how it will benefit shipping companies and the potential economic prospects for the Arctic region. However, no research has been done to investigate how the rise in liner shipping will contribute to the permanent destruction of the fragile Arctic ecosystem and environment.
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