LNG Merak is the second of four conventional gas tankers ordered in China. (Photo: Hudong-Zhonghua)Despite heightened geopolitical tensions and Western sanctions, Norway remains an important stopover point for LNG tankers transporting gas from the Russian Arctic. As the analysis portal High North Ne
Norway has decided to halt deep-sea mining plans in Arctic waters until at least 2029. The move, announced on 1 December 2025, is part of a political compromise tied to the 2026 state budget. No new licenses will be issued during the current legislative term, and public funding for seabed mineral ma
Migratory birds such as the barnacle goose are increasingly struggling with timing. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)Climate change is altering the rhythm of nature, particularly noticeably in the Arctic. Spring now begins much earlier there than it did just a few decades ago. For many migratory bird species th
The LNG tanker “Christophe de Margerie” was built by DSME in South Korea and has the Russian ice class ARC7. The ship is capable of navigating the Northern Sea Route without the assistance of icebreakers. (Photo: SCF)The South Korean government is pushing its Arctic strategy forward: for the first t
On the southwestern edge of Greenland lies the ghost town of Ivittuut. Once a lively settlement due to its global importance in the production of metallic aluminum. From Arctic hamlet to globally significant settlementOn the southwestern edge of Greenland, on the quiet Arsuk Fjord, lies Ivittuut – t
Reindeer are herd animals. The hierarchy within the groups is usually based on the size of the males’ antlers. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)According to a new international scientific study, the global reindeer population will decline dramatically by the end of this century due to the climate crisis. Resear
In March 2022, the Dutch company announced the suspension of work on all existing contracts with Russian customers.On 25 July 2025, Atomflot filed a lawsuit against the Dutch company Damen Shipyards Gorinchem B.V. with the Murmansk Region Arbitration Court, demanding the repayment of €12.6 million i
Tarantellen on Svalbard – Photo: Marcel SchützA medical emergency, a spontaneous change of plans, and a striking rock formation in one of the most remote corners of the Arctic: Swiss extreme mountaineer Dani Arnold has written a new chapter in his adventure career with an extraordinary winter ascent
An international team of scientists has discovered a unique permineralized fern fossil in Antarctica, which has been named Escuderia livingstonensis. (Photo: INACH)A spectacular fossil discovery on Livingston Island sheds new light on the prehistoric vegetation of Antarctica. Escuderia livingstonens
Elevated radon levels have been measured in the north of Novaya Zemlya. (Graphic: Heiner Kubny)Members of the Arctic Floating University expedition working on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago have detected an increase in radioactivity. The scientists observed an increase in radon flux, which, according
AI-generated autonomous underwater vehicle in the deep seaThe Arctic holds mineral resources that are becoming increasingly important for a climate-friendly future. Against this backdrop, Norway faces a decision with far-reaching consequences: Should it open its Arctic deep-sea areas for the extract
The research icebreaker Polarstern on its expedition to northern Greenland. (Photo: AWI, Marcel Nicolaus)The little-explored region in northern Greenland was the last area of investigation that the Polarstern explored on three Arctic expeditions since the end of May 2025. In this largely unexplored
Tørret Fisk is a traditional dish that captures the essence of Nordic cuisine. The fish is carefully dried to concentrate its flavors and create a unique texture. Served with a selection of fresh herbs and spices, this dish offers a harmonious blend of salty, spicy, and fresh notes — a true delight
Greenland is a politically self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The island is very sparsely populated, with approximately 56,200 inhabitants, or 0.026 inhabitants per square kilometre. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)Forty years after leaving the EEA, Greenland is seeking closer ties with the EU agai
Fish of the cod family range from 15 centimeters to two meters in length. Cod is also an important food fish.The Barents Sea faces the threat of an environmental disaster following the potential collapse of the fisheries agreement between Norway and Russia. In July 2025, the Norwegian government, fo
The second-generation Metop satellites are proof of European innovation and technical excellence in the field of space and Earth observation. (Image: ESA)A new addition to the weather satellite family of the European Organisations for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. Metop-SGA1 was suc
Silje van Mierlo on the helicopter deck of the Norwegian research vessel Kronprins Haakon (photo: Vegard Stürzinger)Longyearbyen (Svalbard), November 9, 2025 – After roughly two and a half weeks of research in the far north, the Norwegian icebreaker Kronprins Haakon returned to the port of Longyearb
Polar lights over Zurich: Those who were outside with their camera were able, with a bit of luck, to capture a very special moment.(Photo: Mike Jakob)The spectacular natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis – better known as the Northern Lights – is typically observed in high northern latitudes. In
Russia and China will train Specialists for Maritime Navigation in Polar RegionsHangzhou, November 4, 2025 – Russia and China will jointly train specialists for navigation in polar waters, according to a memorandum signed during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to China, the Russian
The most important industry in Chukotka is the mining of precious metals.Chukotka is a remote region in north-eastern Russia, home to several large gold mines. The region is known for its harsh climate and difficult living conditions. The traditional industries of the Chukchi and other indigenous et
Seals depend on ice floes for rest. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)Three Arctic seal species are threatened with extinction, according to the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The update also shows that more than half of the world’s bird species are threatened with extinction. The upda
Svalbard – On October 21, 2025, the Global Seed Vault on Svalbard was opened once again. More than 21,000 new samples from 20 international gene banks made their way into the frozen mountain above the airport of Longyearbyen. The Global Seed Vault on Svalbard. It is opened about three times a year t
The first floating power plant is stationed in the port of Pevec, in the far east of Russia. (Photo: Rosatom)Rosatom has begun developing a new floating nuclear power plant with a capacity of 180 megawatts. This was announced by the deputy director general of the corporation, Andrei Nikipelov. ‘We p
The container ship «Istanbul Bridge» sails through the Northeast Passage in record time. (Photo: Port Zhoushan)The Chinese container ship «Istanbul Bridge» has completed the route from China to the United Kingdom via the Arctic in just 20 days. Never before has a ship sailed through the Northeast Pa
