Arctic Shortcut | Russian Northern Route | What If Iran & Hezbollah Interdict More Chokepoints?

[@robertf3479]

Over 1600 views in just the first 30 minutes since posting. A lot of people value you and your point of view Sal.

[@wgowshipping]

Thanks!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

he gives great perspective on things most of us don't know are happening.

[@poponew150]

Thanks again Sal! Great work as usual.

[@waynesworldofsci-tech]

@@wgowshipping Sal, you need to cover which companies in which countries manufacture Polar class vessels, and who operates them. Look into who built the Russian nuclear Polar class ships. It’s an interesting story that ends up with Canada owning a yard in Finland. Bonus for covering when the Venezuelan navy lost a frigate to a Polar class passenger ship.

[@wgowshipping]

@@waynesworldofsci-techThat last story was a great one. maritime-executive.com/article/venezuelan-navy-patrol-boat-sinks-after-collision-with-cruise-ship

[@larryd9549]

I sailed through the North Atlantic/Norwegian Sea, and that can be some VERY HEAVY SEAS.

[@robertf3479]

Especially in the dead of winter, but it's a nasty piece of water year round. Respects shipmate.

[@paulwoodman5131]

This route has some limits that I'd listen to a discussion about.......Sal?

[@tadeuszczernia5422]

Yes indeed.

[@stevengill1736]

...and cold too. don't fall in the water....

[@markmark2080]

I did too, during a NATO exercise back in the late 1960s, beautiful HEAVY seas with several ships operating within sight of each other...

[@ocp242]

The Polar Star is our one operational heavy icebreaker. The Polar Sea is her sister, but powerplant issues put her beyond economic repair in the late 1990s IIRC. I supported the Polar Star's email system in the mid-1990s during her cruises to the Antarctic. INMARSAT was frighteningly expensive, and a shipboard friend and I came up with ways to streamline the process. That was just shy of 30 years ago. That we haven't had a similar-class replacement yet is tragic.

[@bastarddoggy]

The technology exists, the political will does not. But I'm sure you're aware of that.

[@Memovox]

The massive Icebreakers being built by Russia are impressive.

[@mtmadigan82]

I'm sure the russians will do what they always do and take advantage. Wait til some ships are stuck, then demand a brinks truck of gold for use of those nuke ice breakers. They pull similar stunts with mil equipment. Famously took an unfinished aircraft carrier sold it to the Indians for a billion. Then another 1 to finish it. Came back for another in a year, then 3 more the following. When they balked they threatened to keep it, and all money so far. This was a big reason they pulled out of the su57 program and why there's under a dozen of those.

[@SilverStarHeggisist]

To be fair, we need them less then they do so it makes sense they invested more heavily. Since they've few warm water ports for their navy

[@johnmarks227]

Thank you for covering this, Sal!

[@simonschneider5913]

yeah, highly underrated topic! thanks sal!

[@matthewcox4]

You are a great teacher! Thank you, Sal.

[@joaniemarjoriemarriott342]

thank you again for the useful information in your video. I always learn a lot and understanding more about costs associated with delivery of goods is helpful to me as a career accountant.

[@Patrick-n8m]

In the 80's I worked as an AB on the SS Manhattan. We carried a load of crude oil from Valdez, AK to Puerto Armuelles, Panama before cleaning tanks and laying up the vessel in Portland, OR. The ship had been featured in the National Geographic magazine in an article on supertankers (which she was NOT) some years earlier and when the decision to build the 875 mile pipeline hadn't been made yet. There had been an idea to retrofit the bow of the Manhattan to withstand the sea ice with 5,000 tons of structural steel, (which was actually done), somehow load the crude in northern Alaska, and transit the Arctic Ocean to a refinery somewhere. Ultimately, this idea was scrapped and the pipeline was built. Now the idea of Arctic sea routes has become more timely as Arctic ice recedes.

[@marcbilodeau6927]

Anyone thought about asking the Canadians if not, go the Russian route, it's clean up there, I'd like to see it stay that way.

[@user-mp3eq6ir5b]

Global Watming may not be the Tragedy certain Brooklynite Politicos portray it to be. REMEMBER! Climate Change is: INEVITABLE; UNDENIABLE; IRREVERSIBLE. Adapt or Survive as a Bird.

[@danielrota7491]

I did not know that the Manhattan was loaded with Prudhoe bay crude. Must have been difficult to find a suitable site for loading the beach appears extending indefinitely. I remember the voyage was during the summer. How long did it take? The Prudhoe bay oil field is almost dry now The pipeline operate only when needed It is reversible The condensate used to lower viscosity is pumped back to Prudhoe bay and Reused, The pipeline is very impressive all above ground on pillars high enough to allow wildlife which everywhere to travel without any hitch that was why Trump opened the North slope game sanctuary to oil and gas exploration. Congratulation It must have been quite an experience knowing the whole world was watching you

[@joesalas7761]

Love the education I get from this channel!

[@PatriciaBowser-y5j]

You are so informative Sal! Thank you.

[@natopeacekeeper97]

Thanks Sal, for continuing to bring the news and analysis about this vital topic of global shipping. We won't hear this anywhere else!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@TheVigilant109]

Great update Sal. Also brings into context the recent Russian / Chinese air exercises in the area. Many thanks

[@paulreilly3904]

I'm not even that interested in shipping, never worked in the industry, airlines instead, but Sal is such a great presenter I want to find out.

[@paulschrum4727]

Thanks, Sal, for explaining that Canada does not want commercial ships to use the Northwest Passage. Now that you have explained it, it makes perfect sense, but I was not anticipating it.

[@robertf3479]

I wasn't aware of that either. I never considered that Canada was the reason the NW Passage hasn't been developed.

[@wyldhowl2821]

It's not that Canada does not want the Northwest passage to be used. It's that it does not want it to be used without our permission. The US and a few others like to claim it is "international waters" despite the fact it goes entirely through our waters between our islands. (Wrong!) However, even without that, it is an area that is iced-over much of the time, the narrowness of it and lack of depth in some areas making that even worse, so compared to things like rail and road links across Canada, it makes little sense to use it to send cargo through from places like Alaska towards ... Greenland ? Canada had more viability using the route itself when it had a viable port at Churchill Manitoba on Hudson's Bay (grain, potash, or petroleum shipments towards the Atlantic), but the rail company decided to abandon the rail line and the port, and for whatever negligent / corporate reason, the Government Of Canada did not keep the port and rail link going as a strategic asset. There is not much in the way of "major production area to major consumer area" shipping traffic through the Northwest passage (like a Shanghai to Rotterdam scenario). That can maybe change if resource assets are better developed in our Arctic, but at the moment, there is little reason to use it when one can send things to Pacific coast ports like Prince Rupert or Vancouver that need contact with Asia, and Montreal or Halifax towards the Atlantic and over land to any of the lower 48 US states. A lot of risk versus little reward. In any case, the Canadian government does not oppose the use of the northwest passage for shipping categorically; there is just a very high bar for allowing it: The issue of sovereignty (it is ours), liability (it is pretty dangerous), and (economic) viability for the route.

[@cestmoi1262]

@paulschrum4727 What I heard from Sal was a statement that Canada doesn't want anybody to use the Northern route. That does not explain why not.

[@paulschrum4727]

@@cestmoi1262 He clearly does not explain that. That would be because it's obvious. That environment is pristine, and commercial shipping there would, eventually, ruin it.

[@cestmoi1262]

@@paulschrum4727 We humans do ruin everything. Maybe we should all just take a pill and get it over with. Happy now???

[@Richard-od7yd]

Have the Shipping Magnates ever been up that way before . Well I have and so did two of my cousins on the INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL during their Coast Guard Service days . For one , It's flat . Meaning there is nothing to stop a breeze from becoming a Gale within minutes . Next , its cold . And steel doesn't react well to cold . And just add in there's no turning back . Its hard to turn around when you're surrounded by ice .

[@johnbjorkman4144]

"Can't get the flock out of here" 🤣

[@KnowledgeDriven]

I added Sal's full quote (from a previous vid) to my 2024 Bingo card - "We keep seeing these black swan events and we can't get that flock of black swans out of here." - Quote of 2024, Sal

[@ericdunn555]

"We see seagulls here"; another one for the Bingo Card 😮😮😅😅

[@vitale6633]

Very Very Interesting about the Arctic Routes. Thanks for highlighting.

[@tinap.5064]

Thanks! Sal, where were you in 1996? I had the tremendous opportunity to be on an escorted tour of the Port in Singapore. It was fascinating! Totally peaked my interest. I’m not sure I remember correctly but it seems the escort told us that there were some 700 ships waiting off shore to enter the port and unload. Is that even possible? I’ve been following you since the Ever Given and love your channel.

[@RichardGeiszler]

Thanks Sal!! Now that "Waterloo" song is stuck in my head.

[@186infinity]

Thanks, Sal good research, factual, and well presented

[@drewstephans3436]

ABBA dabba do. Great name!!! This is a very informative AND entertaining channel. Please keep it up.

[@williamjmccartan8879]

Watching this on August 5th, great discussion and the points about the effort of Europe, US, and Canada were well put, I also just saw some news that the north american route is changing with the amount of ice moving around is still causing havoc to shipping, even with climate change decreasing the volume of ice, thank you for sharing your time, work, and knowledge Sal, peace

[@johnandrews6872]

1942 My uncle (merchant mariner) worked the route to the white sea on a tanker delivering oil to archangel, got sunk by German military,

[@wgowshipping]

My hats off to your Uncle. That is was a treacherous route during the war, and even today.

[@scudfarcus4343]

Reminds me of the WWII novel, HMS Ulysses by Alistair McLean.

[@davidkorte]

Thanks!

[@wgowshipping]

Welcome!

[@Nico-uit-brabant]

Thanks for keeping us updated!

[@jayh1947]

Thank You Sal. We recently purchased a car in Lillington. Went through your school several times and always thought of you...............Jay

[@terischannel]

I learn so much from your channel. Thank you

[@markkastius3452]

Interesting topic Sal. Best regards from Romania.

[@ugnbugn]

Excellent work Sal, as always. WIGOWS just gets better and better! Many thanks from Sydney Australia.❤

[@371508129]

Fantastic work Sal. Great info as usual.

[@user-BruceU]

Hey Sam, as always you've given us brilliant content. I would like to comment on a small mistake. 1 nautical mile is 1.85k's, a mile is 1.6k's. Yeah, I forgive you, a slip of the tongue. Keep up your brilliant work. Bruce

[@fwqkaw]

@user-BruceU I just managed to resist -- we are voyaging from L to M on the Sea of Errors.

[@mark1sown]

Hello, love your show. I'm a Longshoreman working at DP World container port in Prince Rupert B C. Concerned 🤔

[@unknown-zc8be]

Very informative! Thank you for the content.

[@herenowjal]

Thanks for this informative video. Love your shirt btw ...

[@grafdog44]

Always very informative 👍🏻 cheers Sal.

[@parkerholden7140]

Sal, There is a generic design flaw in many ships associated with the load share control of multiple generators. I know you are shy about engineering issues but I will say this anyway. Load share is established by tweeking both the speed of the generator and the voltage regulator. Both of these variable are ALWAYS adjustable from the switchboard for synchronizing purposes. However load share involves mini/micro adjustment of these two variables. These micro adjustments are often hidden in the voltage regulator or the speed governor. This hides what is going on from the crew. Several factors cause load share to get out of control such as temperature of the machine, slight differences in cable length etc. Thus load share show up after hours or days. Failure to maintain good load share results in trip outs and a mess. Synchronizing is manually set. Load share should be automatically regulated and if it is not it needs to be monitored and adjusted from the switchboard. This is often not the case. In addition few if any ships have reverse power relays These do not stop load share problems but will eliminate damage from motoring a generator.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Very interesting. You would think with modern technology this would be fully automated.

[@4DCResinSmoker]

Well consider that the equipment he's refering to is rather large and often not easy to service in confined spaces. Thus systems are simpler variants of what we think of as modern tech. With the main driving factors bring cost and regulations. For instance, the last aircraft carrier (CVN75) I served on still had HT seamen who would manually plum holding tanks, despite modern tech bring avaliable and often in use in parallel.

[@I-0-0-I]

Sal, that allision off of Australia yesterday exposed me to the idea of LNG powered ships. I had never heard of that before. Can you talk about that sometime?

[@wgowshipping]

I can and will. The video is crazy.

[@I-0-0-I]

@@wgowshippingAt first view, I thought that the LNG tanks were free-fall life boats of some kind. Once I learned that they were LNG tanks I realized how crazy it was for the camera/crew man to run to the bow! That could have been much worse for him.

[@jonmccormick8683]

Most of the LNG tankers run/use the blow-off LNG. These smaller LNG tanks on decks of ships are rather new. -LNG is liquefied and must be kept very cold under high pressure.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Appreciate the briefing!

[@warpeace8891]

Thanks for sharing, love your work Sal.

[@refurbansuburban]

Really clearly explained, thank you, Sal.

[@johnland5042]

Great analysis Sal.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good info as always Sal. Watching from the Philippines.

[@johnward5006]

It would be great for world shipping and the world's economy if the situation in the "Middle East" was peacefully and speedily resolved! The Russia/Ukraine "situation" has recently been eclipsed by those other events but your observations on the Artic route is so pertinent to the world picture of shipping! Keeping shipping as the major player in the world's economies and the world political stage as you so eloquently continue to do cannot be underestimated! Well done yet again.

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

I am 77 now and even when I was a teenager I still remember the headlines 'the middle east situation' and it was always bad then, and ever since. I have a feeling things will never be resolved in that area, but I hope I am proved wrong.

[@michelenovack575]

Prof Sal - a little more engineering info: it is not just a hull strength issue for Arctic service, but rather that the hull steels need to be verified to have ductile-brittle transition temps above Arctic water temperatures. If not, a hull crack will run. I question if these quickly built asian commercial hulls have the quality of steel necessary (and certified) for such service. I knew what US and European mills could produce back in the day, but I’ve lost track of where the commercial builders are sourcing their hull steels today and what the specs are.

[@einokalonen1313]

We'll see. Steel has high-quality prices in Europe and the United States.

[@pauldelray5839]

Great Updates. Thanks Sal.

[@bc-guy852]

Holy Shirt!! (A buy while in Alaska no doubt.) (sic) Edit: Sal I think this is one of, if not the most significant episodes you've ever produced. Of course I agree (as a Canadian am perhaps a bit more effected) but the way you tie the entire thing together - is Magic. The vast geopolitical mess we're in - and it all comes down to What is Going On With Shipping!

[@johnmay23]

also as a Canadian ..dont worry our new ice breakers will(may) be avilable in five(?) years jm vancouver bc

[@bc-guy852]

@@johnmay23 You don't really believe that??

[@johnmay23]

@@bc-guy852 no of course not !!!!! ( should be more like 15 years ) Late delivery and over budget being the norm in Canada when public funds are involved

[@bc-guy852]

@@johnmay23 Sad but true. And with a significant expenditure in our Northern protection - - ICE BREAKERS - - we could commit enough $$ to FINALLY achieve the '2% of GDP' spending target that trudope and others before him have BS'd about! CANAD HAS NEVER ACHIEVED THE 2% TARGET - - and now it's going up to 3%. SHAMEFUL.

[@PaulCashman]

Whenever I hear "black swan event" I have to smile. I know the son of the gentleman who popularized the concept in economics first, but it's since been adopted by everyone. Ironically, he's from Lebanon.

[@gus473]

Talib! You can find a few of his talks on KZbin, in addition to his books. Interesting guy.

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

Tankers, containers ships and polar Ice .. what could go wrong ..?

[@aliensounddigital8729]

Exactly

[@RNG-999]

There is barely any Arctic polar sea ice left. Fun fact.

[@RNG-999]

Check out the article "Six ways loss of Arctic ice impacts everyone" by World Wildlife Fund.

[@pleasestoptheride]

Glad to see you covering this, Sal! Just yesterday I commented on your project 2025 video about how the shift to the Arctic might be why some are suggesting moving maritime under Homeland Security. If you want to check it out, I did a video back in 2019 called What Is Really Going On With Arctic Sea Ice?, it's on my youtube channel, and I showed how the US, Russia, and others have been working at developing the Arctic route for decades. All of my source materials are provided.

[@alexandermonro6768]

A flock of black swans, and we can't get the flock out of here. Like it! :)

[@stnln2180]

With current and future us L.efti.st administrations (plural) we are going to have reliable supply of many, many flocks of black swans....:)

[@chrisbergonzi7977]

Thank you sir...

[@jonobester5817]

You're awesome, Sal!

[@danam0228]

I was just thinking about the Northwest passage yesterday. Thanks big guy

[@signorpippistrello]

I appreciate Kilometers! It makes so much sense!

[@briangriffiths114]

That was fascinating. I would welcome a deeper dive into icebreakers, if you feel it worthwhile.

[@blabbergasted4380]

Great info! Thanks!

[@jimpawa5793]

We can’t clean up oil spills in the warmer waters around the waters along the east, west and gulf coasts plus the gulf of Alaska ( when you actually know how much was spilled and the quantity recovered maybe 20%) BP spill was a good example. Estimate response times to rescue a ship and crew to any point in the arctic, oh yeah especially with a US icebreaker (1.5 now).

[@jonmccormick8683]

Warmer water is actually better for the organisms that eat up the oil. The ClearWater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico is a great example.

[@Ludde2452]

The Canadian shipbuilder Davies bought the previously Russian owned Helsinki Shipyard that has a great history to build icebreakers and today Davies says they are looking at expanding into the U.S.

[@Richard-od7yd]

My aunt lives down the street from the Shipyard .😃

[@lnchgj]

You don't usually think of Idaho as having a seaport either. Lewiston ID. I just wanted to barge in with that. 🙂

[@Devilsmed98]

Thanks for sharing Sal!

[@JeffWok]

EXCELLENT - the new catch phrase will be 'Take a Chance on ME - Ice Breaking' HA! Great channel

[@jab100lochaber]

Any chance The Winner Takes It All can be used somewhere??

[@MarcosElMalo2]

7:41 The map looks so festive!

[@CTCTraining1]

Excellent new opportunities for the Ever Stuck shipping line. 😀👍

[@pyrykek]

Great video but why are the distances at 1:34 so short ? I thought Rotterdam to Shanghai via Suez was around 20.000 kms

[@wgowshipping]

No. It is not that far.

[@blshouse]

Notice, they are only trying this in the height of Summer as well.

[@Pompomgrenade]

Thank you Sal😔

[@leswilliamson3587]

Thanks

[@shauny2285]

Reminds me of the song, Northwest Passage. Cheers!

[@shanieboi86]

Whats the environmental impact keeping the ice broken?

[@richdobbs6595]

Sal really should be using a polar projection map to show the idea behind arctic routes. On those maps, the advantages are really clear since in that case the distortion is against the traditional route.

[@TheLittlered1961]

I have seen both polar sea and polar star in dry dock in Seattle WA. I took my little 15.5 foot boat from Tacoma to do this. Currently the Polar Sea is the only "heavy icebreaker" in service. While the Healy is larger, it is well under powered compared to the Polar Sea and Polar Star. It to is based out of Seattle WA, just like the Sea and the Star. The Healy, do to the lack of horse power is not able to break through as thick of ice. The hull design does reduce the rolling effect. The Star and Sea are known as polar rollers. This because in ruff seas they roll badly. I would love to see both the Sea and Star modernized. I am not an engineer and have no idea what the cost benefit is. Sadly, neither are our congress men. We need an independent assessment of both ships to get an honest assessment. I am sick of throwing good money after bad. I am also sick of throwing away good ships just so the military complex can get more money.

[@maxhugen]

Good video as usual. I guess we could add the Panama Canal as another choke point, although for climate reasons.

[@186infinity]

I would like to make a suggestion. would it be feasible to take a container and turn it into a dedicated defense system. Side could be swung up or down. weaponry to be decided by the ship owner. if you make it look not obvious pirates won’t know if the ship has one of these defensive containers on board any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated

[@wgowshipping]

The issue is being allowed into ports with an armed container on board.

[@flyingsword135]

Club K...already done. Putting on commercial vessels is problematic

[@SpringIsBACK]

As a stopgap measure, repurposed hand carried anti-tank weapons would be quite effective. You could probably even mod some MANPADS with some guidance upgrades (follow the laser in) to do the trick, and what about modest size (but fairly quick) drones.

[@186infinity]

OK, thank you for the feedback. Just an idea.

[@Ana_Mystik]

Also the pole shift will help decide things?

[@durbanbudz]

Cheers Sal!

[@Miner-dyne]

Good report. Thanks! People might be interested in how jacking around with shipping to Europe affects the rest of the planet.

[@williamrager]

You would think if the situation is so dire, why wouldn't shipping companies scream to end the GENOCIDE and then go back to normal??? In my opinion the cost of shipping brings higher rates !!! We all know that rates never ever go back down for anything!! THIS is what the plan was all along !! Wars deflects attention from what's going on and creates more opportunities for CORRUPTION in countries around the world!! Heaven forbid that the GENOCIDE to STOP while this new path of CORRUPTION is in the middle of carrying out new streams of wealth are installed !!! They can't possibly allow human life to INTERFERE with the plans !! Just my opinion on this shipping dilemma !! MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!!!

[@RichardGeiszler]

Would an Artic route have an adjusted insurance rate due to ice risk?

[@glenmcgillivray4707]

Our hero should look into map projection types, my personal favourite is the 'middling' distortion' options. where the equator becomes a bit tall, and the poles a bit wide, the consequence being, everything is more or less to scale within 20 % or so regardless of location on earth. Russia will still look much wider than it should of course, but it stops stretching it taller than you might expect.

[@AdurianJ]

Sweden is in the process of ordering new icebreakers. They will break a 32m wide lane compared to the current icebreakers they replace that break a 24m lane. They will replace the Ale class of icebreakers from the 1970's, two will be ordered in a first batch.

[@chrisanderson2368]

Why not have two smaller ones cut either side of a channel?

[@slaveofjesus3878]

@@chrisanderson2368 I'd think that in addition to cost savings with personal, fuel etc., that the heaver ice brakers can brake thicker ice and are thus superior and more capable than two smaller vessels.

[@Ranchhand323]

Impossible. That is not how icebreaking occurs . They would constantly bounce off the sides .​@@chrisanderson2368

[@RNG-999]

There is barely any free-floating Arctic sea ice left. It's over 90% gone.

[@paulshirtliff5972]

Ha what a joke you are sweeden is cancelled all things to do with fuel or travel or farming. Olympic masters in joinning the antichrist crap

[@robjohnson8660]

Thanks Sal

[@Ana_Mystik]

You rock Thank you

[@poolchuck66]

Lol Sal, now I have Dancing Queen play in my mind.

[@DougPoulton]

It'll be interesting to see what China and Russia does as gold is on it's way to $3000. The BRICS club gets stronger each day. With the Suez canal restricted how long will it be before the Panama canal is shut down?

[@ronlippman8027]

Yes, ABBA! I'm full in!!!!

[@petermcguire8260]

Do you need to tell the shippers that you have changed their route and their product will probably freeze even if it's paint that says do not freeze?

[@blip_bloop]

Rotterdam to Shanghai and up and over North America and through Beaufort Sea is roughly 9,975 miles

[@JeffBilkins]

But that is the environment so we can't put ships there.

[@User_First-Last]

Off topic comment Do you have an opinion about the news stories that AI has started taking merchant mariners on-ship jobs bringing unmanned ships in the entire fleet in weeks too months ?

[@tod3273]

ABBA! The band!❤ The musical! 😊 The icebreaker! 🎉 The movement! 😂

[@makethisgowhoosh]

How many of all those ships travelling around the world are electric?

[@user-bt8vn3dj6o]

Did you check out the "Commission on the National Defense Strategy, " published by the Congressional Committee on National Defense Strategy. Also the current "Navy Force Structure, July 2024," was published today. (The former USSR used to transfer nuclear submarines from The North Sea Fleet to the Pacific Fleet throughout the Cold War through this Artic passage.)

[@wgowshipping]

Yes. I have read the first and have the second one to read.

[@obsidianjane4413]

Ships and icebergs. What could possibly go wrong...

[@cotizacionesequipo1719]

Same as people and weapons.

[@Mashmans]

The Arctic rout is the most important shortcut because it means ships are able to exit the top of the map and reappear from the bottom of the map.

[@sujimtangerines]

"Do your thang, do your thang with me now. What's my thang, what's my thang tell me now."

[@borderbrat]

I'm all in on ABBA. But... Just Arctic Boat Building Agreement. You know how countries can get when one county is represented in the name more prominently than others.

[@idanceforpennies281]

I've said this before, a North West Passage is a great idea. With a few icebreakers we could keep it open all year, and massive cargo ships are quite capable of handling thin ice anyway.

[@jonmccormick8683]

The icebreakers we have now have no hope of keeping these passages open. Even the massive Russian nuclear powered ones have issues in Winter. -right now it is the warmer summer (Northern Hemisphere)

[@MarjanKaykavoosi]

I never wanted to go into shipping, it is one of those things that you either love or dislike

[@DaveSCameron]

#SOUTHPORT 🙏🇬🇧

[@RogerRamjet156]

Cheers to ABBA - I'll buy stock 😀

[@oldmech619]

Sal, you may believe a ship dragging it anchor was incompetence, but Russia has been cutting and damaging cables in the Baltic Sea region, which includes countries like Sweden, Estonia, and Finland. Example Oct 2023 Sweden. 3:08

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

You don’t have evidence for this

[@alancadorette3447]

can ships refuel up there?

[@themonkeyspaw7359]

Nice shirt!