Posted: 05 February. 2025
The polar shipping industry is growing—and so are its complexities. As expedition cruising gives opportunities for tourism in some of the world's most remote and fragile regions, the 2025 Polar Maritime Seminar in London highlighted the need for responsible and sustainable practices. Melissa Nacke, AECO’s head of Operations, shares the key takeaways from this stakeholder-heavy event.
The rise in vessel traffic brings opportunities but also a series of challenges. At the seminar, key topics focused on how to balance this growth in the Arctic and Antarctic with the growing need for safety, environmental protection, and enhanced search and rescue (SAR) capabilities.
“This expansion is not just an opportunity; it’s a responsibility,” says Nacke. “Operators must be proactive in managing the increasing risks of these extreme environments. The conversation at the seminar made it clear that effective risk management is critical to ensuring these voyages are safe, sustainable, and well-regulated.”
A standout tool discussed was POLARIS, a risk assessment platform that helps operators navigate ice-covered waters safely. The seminar underscored the importance of proactive planning and real-time decision-making, which are essential for ensuring that these expeditions continue to prioritize safety while minimizing environmental impacts.
Strengthening Search and Rescue (SAR) Capabilities
Despite the growth of expedition cruising, there is an increasing concern about the adequacy of SAR infrastructure in remote polar regions. Nacke, who works closely with expedition cruise operators, knows just how vital SAR capabilities are to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
“While we’ve seen growth in the industry, SAR capabilities in many of these regions remain underdeveloped,” she explains. “This seminar reinforced the need for greater collaboration between operators, coastal states, and international organizations to improve these emergency response systems and ensure they can meet the challenges of increased traffic in polar waters.”
Environmental Concerns and the Path Forward
Perhaps the most pressing issue discussed was the environmental impact of increased vessel traffic in the polar regions. Industry growth has raises concerns around black carbon emissions, underwater noise pollution, and plastic waste, serious threats to the regions ecosystems. In response, many at the seminar advocated stricter environmental regulations. Some even called for expanded provisions in the Polar Code, including emission reduction targets and noise mitigation measures. Nacke echoes these sentiments, reinforcing AECO’s commitment to working within these frameworks to ensure the sector’s future is both responsible and sustainable.
“These discussions are aligned with our ongoing efforts and we fully support them. It’s clear that the future of polar tourism must be defined by sustainability, with operators adhering to the highest environmental standards,” Nacke says.
Networking and Collaboration
For AECO, the 2025 Polar Maritime Seminar provided a valuable platform for networking with key stakeholders, including the University of Ottawa, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Northern Norway, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, and Transport Canada. These collaborations help AECO further its mission of promoting responsible polar tourism while supporting members in adhering to best practices and meeting evolving regulatory standards.
Held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London on January 23-24, the 2025 Polar Maritime Seminar brought together global maritime leaders, regulators, and industry experts. Co-hosted by the IMO and Norway’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in collaboration with the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Group, the seminar provided a critical platform to discuss the evolving landscape of polar shipping, with a strong focus on safety and sustainability.