Arctic Shipping Emissions Rise Amid Geopolitical and Regulatory Challenges

Increased shipping activity in the Arctic, driven by melting sea ice and new navigable routes, has contributed to higher emissions of black carbon, a pollutant with a strong warming effect. Regulatory efforts to address these emissions are complicated by geopolitical interests and ongoing industry resistance.

As Arctic waters become more accessible, vessel traffic has expanded, leading to greater environmental impacts. Black carbon released from ships is recognized for its ability to accelerate ice melt by absorbing sunlight when deposited on snow and ice surfaces. Fishing vessels have been identified as the largest contributors to these emissions north of the 60th parallel.

Between 2015 and 2021, emissions of black carbon from Arctic shipping nearly doubled, while the number of ships and the distances they traveled also increased. From 2019 to 2024, black carbon emissions from ships operating in the region rose from 2,696 metric tons to 3,310 metric tons. This rise has occurred despite discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) about regulating these emissions.

The IMO has not implemented binding regulations on black carbon from Arctic shipping, relying instead on voluntary measures. In 2024, a ban on heavy fuel oil in the Arctic was introduced, but exceptions allow some vessels to continue using it until 2029, reducing the ban’s immediate impact on black carbon output.

What the numbers show

• Black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping rose from 2,696 to 3,310 metric tons between 2019 and 2024
• Shipping traffic in the Arctic increased by 37% in vessel count and 108% in distance traveled from 2013 to 2024
• Black carbon has a warming effect up to 1,500 times greater than CO₂ per unit mass

Several countries, including France, Germany, the Solomon Islands, and Denmark, have proposed that the IMO require ships operating north of the 60th parallel to use cleaner “polar fuels.” These proposals aim to reduce the climate impact of shipping in the region, but have not yet resulted in binding international rules.

Environmental organizations have called for stronger measures. The Clean Arctic Alliance and other non-governmental groups have urged the IMO to adopt mandatory requirements for the use of polar fuels in the Arctic. These calls have been made ahead of the IMO’s Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13) meeting scheduled for February 2026.

Geopolitical considerations continue to influence the pace and scope of regulatory action. U.S. interests in Greenland and resistance from established fishing industries are among the factors that have made it difficult to achieve consensus on new environmental rules for Arctic shipping.

Despite ongoing discussions and advocacy, black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping remain largely unregulated at the international level. The combination of increased maritime activity, regulatory gaps, and competing national interests has contributed to continued environmental challenges in the region.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.