How Arctic melting could benefit shippers, oil companies

WASHINGTON


And while much of the discussions so far have been focused on dealing with global warming and on preserving habitat and protecting polar bears and walruses, another change is looming. When will commercial interests be able to develop the once-impregnable region?

Scientists say the Arctic ’s seas could be essentially free of ice in the summertime by mid-century.

“I’m convinced, based on models and observations, the trend is one of accelerated ice loss, and we’re probably looking at a scenario, even with the best efforts to mitigate (global warming), that we’ll continue to see loss,” said Richard Spinrad , director of research for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .

Already, shipping already has increased within the Arctic Circle to serve the oil and gas industry.

McClatchy