In the Arctic zone of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Gazprom Neft has discovered one of the most significant oil fields of the past 30 years. Specialists studied the areas for three years using 2D and 3D seismic surveys before the new oil field was discovered. (Photo: Unsplash)In the Arctic zon
The search for the fifth recipient of the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions has begun. The award is presented each year on the birthday of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and aims to highlight the global importance of these sensitive regions. As the Arctic increasingly moves
Vostok Station is a Russian research station located inland in Princess Elisabeth Land, Antarctica. Founded in 1957, the station lies at the southern Pole of Cold, where the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was measured: −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F; 184.0 K). (Photo: AARI)More than 200 different pl
Albatross over the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica: Photo by Lisa ScherkOn January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force. For the first time,
Donald Trump – Playing with fire! What comes after Venezuela? (Photo: Unsplash)For now, the situation still appears calm. It is still considered unlikely that the United States will gain control over Greenland in the near future. A determined and so far unified stance by the Danish and Greenlandic g
In light of Nuuk’s growth as Greenland’s commercial and administrative center, as well as increasing tourism, there was a need for improved flight connections to the capital. The previously required transfer in Kangerlussuaq for most international flights has now been eliminated. (Photo: onemileatat
Atlantic cod is found in parts of the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. It is one of the most important food fish and is of great significance to the fishing industry. However, many stocks are now threatened by overfishing. (Photo: Wikipedia, August Limmman)After record-long and difficult negotia
The high-resolution satellite image from Google Earth clearly shows severe damage to the permafrost soil. (Image: Google Earth)With the “Vankor–Payakha–Sever Bay Pipeline,” Russia is pushing ahead with one of the largest energy projects in the High North. The roughly 770-kilometer-long pipeline is p
Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has responded firmly to a new move by Donald Trump that has intensified diplomatic tensions surrounding Greenland.The trigger is the United States’ decision to appoint a special envoy for Greenland. In Copenhagen, this step is viewed as politically s
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered by decree on 15 December the construction of a non-permanent ice base at the North Pole. The planned Artur Chilingarov Ice Base is to be established on Arctic drifting sea ice near the North Pole and is intended to serve both scientific purposes and short-te
Polar Connect is planning a fiber-optic connection across the Arctic. (Image: Polar Connect)With Polar Connect, a groundbreaking initiative is emerging that aims to digitally link Europe and Asia via an entirely new route. A modern fiber-optic cable through the Arctic Ocean promises not only faster
Thawing permafrost is causing major damage to residential buildings. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)The destruction of permafrost and increasing extreme weather events could cost the Russian economy billions of dollars. Most studies point to growing damage in Russia’s northern regions as a result of climate c
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world’s polar regions. This week we take a look at a new map of Alexander Island, a new Canadian inuit-owned fishing vessel, and a new viral threat for Arctic foxes on Svalbard. The Polar Retrospective is a collaborative effort by the e
While Chinese scientists issue urgent pleas to limit Arctic shipping to protect the region from the environmental impact, Chinese shipping companies plan on sending more and more vessels into the Arctic As Arctic sea ice continues to decline, new shipping routes are opening up, offering potentially
