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Arctic Maritime Safety

Learning from the past to address challenges to the safety of people in the arctic ocean economy. A partnership between Lloyd's Register Foundation and the University of the Arctic.

Heritage

This page is approximately a 2 minute read

An Arctic fish farm.

Duration

This project's duration was 2024-2026

Value of grant

£500,000

Partner info

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is an international network of higher education institutions focussing on research in and about the Northern Polar region.

How can lessons from the past be helpful in addressing today's challenges to the safety of people in the Arctic Ocean economy.

Overview

The University of the Arctic has launched a new research fellowship programme following recent funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The programme will deliver new insights, evidence and case materials to policy and change makers, and in parallel it will also explore further opportunities for collaboration.

The programme aims to substantially raise the profile of safety as a key issue in future management of the highly complex Arctic marine system at a time of profound environmental and geopolitical change. Climate change is reducing sea ice cover, opening up new sea routes, and affecting the distribution of commercial fisheries, as well as impacting global weather systems.

We have seen a steady increase in ship traffic of all kinds across the Arctic; more fishing vessels, merchant ships, research vessels and cruise ships. This presents both opportunities and challenges for Indigenous and local communities. It also presents new risks to the environment and to the safety of these communities as well as the people onboard ships. 

We have an opportunity to learn from the past to help us better navigate the challenges of today and to do so in a way that is equitable and inclusive. The new fellowship programme will take this opportunity and do so in a way that builds both connections and capacities for maritime research in the Arctic.

Visit the UArctic website for more information on the programme. If you would like to collaborate with the Arctic Maritime Safety Programme, contact our programme manager using the details below.

Contact the project lead

Louise Sanger leads on the Heritage and Education Centre's research, interpretation and engagement strategy. Inspiring and guiding internal and external stakeholders in our mission – maritime safety. Contributing and communicating specialist knowledge in the area to increase the understanding of its importance to the past, present and future ocean economy.

Find out more
A profile photograph of Louise Sanger.