Arctic America

Reprinted with permission from Benedict's Maritime Bulletin.

Increased activity in U.S. Arctic, particularly in connection with offshore oil and gas exploration, has bolstered the general perception that receding Arctic sea ice will create new opportunities and challenges in the Arctic over the coming years. Under pressure to prepare for these changes, both the White House and the U.S. Coast Guard have issued new plans outlining the nation’s Arctic strategy. What is less clear, however, is the timetable for increased presence in the Arctic, which will likely be led first by commercial opportunity.