Maritime experts focus on opportunities in changing Arctic

The Alaska and the New Marine Arctic conference held Nov. 6-7 in Anchorage attracted maritime experts from Norway, Canada, Singapore, Korea, Russia and the U.S.

The focus was on how Alaska can link and gain opportunities in the changing maritime Arctic. Discussed were such topics as: use of Russia's Northern Sea Route; trans-shipment opportunities; future offshore development; infrastructure investment; and, marine safety/environmental protection issues.

Senior Norwegian Government and commercial participants indicated Norway's interests in linking with Alaska for trade and port development. A conference report will be produced and distributed in 2014.

Additional information about the workshop can be obtained from Professor Lawson Brigham (lwbrigham@alaska.edu).

The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and the Institute of the North organized the event, with the Norwegian Embassy and Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development sponsoring it.