A recent survey shows the Arctic is thawing at a faster rate than was previously expected, opening up shipping passages between the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans.

It says the burning of fossil fuels has caused a build-up of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, which is heating the Arctic twice as quickly as the rest of the globe.

The survey estimates that as the glaziers melt, the Northern Sea Route along the coast of Russia is likely to be navigable for 120 days a year in 2100, compared with 30 says in 2000.

However experts say the risk of icebergs and the high costs of shipping will prevent a trans-polar shipping boom, because vessels would need thick hulls and icebreaker support even in summer.

The survey was presented at a four-day conference in Iceland, sponsored by the Arctic Council, which includes scientists from the United States, Russia, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Denmark.

(CRI November 12, 2004)