Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping
The Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative is a partnership between academic and Inuit organizations to address and respond to concerns about the growth in Arctic shipping and related environmental impacts on Northern communities. Increased access to Arctic waters and ports raises issues requiring the robust application of innovative science and technology approaches, as well as considerations for policy and governance. This work cannot be completed successfully solely by academic researchers. Co-development with Inuit organizations and input from local knowledge holders will place Inuit priorities at the centre of the work. The research initiative will develop the knowledge base required for more sustainable, more efficient and safer Arctic shipping, and the evidence to support the necessary policy changes. Qanittaq will combine Inuit knowledge with the exceptional facilities and resources provided by academic institutions to model and test new technologies, develop specialized expertise and prepare highly qualified personnel (Inuit and others) with the capacity to respond to future challenges.
Qanittaq’s research themes are:
- sustainable shipping operations and coastal/community infrastructure;
- responsible ship design; and
- governance of Arctic shipping.
Theme 1 will use a multidisciplinary, community-partnered approach to examine risks both to and from ships, such as understanding sea ice and weather threats and mitigations, and applying policies governing Arctic waterways. Theme 2 will involve a multifaceted approach to evaluating ship design and operations in Arctic environments to provide new discoveries for lower emissions, lower risk to humans and the environment, and provide economic benefits and greater efficiency. Theme 3 will support multidisciplinary, locally informed research on maritime governance and private law aspects of Arctic shipping to strengthen policies and governance for an exemplary maritime system.
This crucial initiative features work in the research fields of environment policy, Indigenous Peoples’ environmental knowledge, naval architecture, ocean engineering and transportation geography. Underpinning all research fields and project themes is the consideration of environmental impacts and Inuit stewardship in the Arctic. Throughout Qanittaq’s research and knowledge translation, partnership will be fostered through thoughtful communications, inclusive translation, specialized training and community-led meetings.