The Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum in London was “very fruitful”, according to chair Anita Makinen.
Makinen, who is also chief advisor to the director-general of the maritime sector at the Finnish Transport Safety Agency, says there was a big difference from last year’s first meeting, when participants were trying to work out why they were there.
In contrast, this year’s gathering moved on to more practical aspects, she says. “We were discussing what role the different stakeholders have, what are the future needs and how to fill the gaps in the knowledge.”
Makinen says the new polar portal provided a focal kick-off for the forum.
She reveals that the forum’s parent Arctic Council working group — the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment — discussed providing ice charts on the site but decided against it due to concerns about liability.
“This is the best information that is around now, and use it at your peril,” one of the participants comments, stressing that although the portal is a resource, it is up to shipowners and operators how they make use of this information.
Makinen highlights that the forum is pulling together organisations such as the World Meteorological Organization, the Arctic Regional Hydrographic Commission and the International Ice Charting Working Group.
This year, for the first time, it has worked with Russian shipping bodies that can produce data on ice situation, weather and temperatures.
“All this information is needed. Now we are putting it in one place where you can have it,” she says.
“I look forward to building on the progress made to date and further strengthening the web portal so that it becomes an indispensable tool for all those involved in Arctic shipping.”
