In response to increased Arctic shipping traffic, the USA and Russia have proposed a two-way route system for vessels to follow in the Bering Strait and Bering Sea.
The nations jointly developed and submitted the proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish six two-way routes and six precautionary areas.
Located in US and Russian territorial waters off the coasts of Alaska and the Chukotskiy Peninsula, the routes are being recommended to help ships avoid shoals, reefs and islands outside the routes, and to reduce the potential for marine casualties and environmental disasters.
The proposed two-way routes will be voluntary for all domestic and international ships.
To view or download the routes, click here.
