A landmark research investment by the federal government will position Canada and Inuit as world leaders in sustainable Arctic shipping.

Memorial University and the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada are co-leading a global partnership to address and respond to the increase in Arctic shipping, the related environmental impacts affecting Arctic communities and to support Inuit communities’ needs for safe and cost-efficient resupply. Read more.

The Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative is a unique partnership, co-led and co-developed by Memorial University and the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada. For more information, visit here.

Claude Daley, professor, Department of Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University

“The Qanittaq project is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our partners and stakeholders and take our Arctic work here at Memorial to a new level. I’ve been working on the problems of Arctic shipping for a long time. I was part of the group that developed the international standard for construction of polar ships 25 years ago. The Qanittaq project team has the resources, connections and profile to build a new national and international consensus around the technical, social, environmental and legal challenges of safe Arctic shipping.”

                                                                                                            ~ Dr. Claude Daley

Brian Veitch, professor and Cenovus Energy Research Chair, Department of Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University

“This is an exciting opportunity that brings together a diverse group to pursue a shared vision. We plan to create a framework for the holistic evaluation of maritime shipping performance in the Arctic, and use it to implement it as a set of practical tools that will change the shipping paradigm. The strategy is to advance a cleaner and more equitable shipping industry through regulatory and policy tools that reflect the values of all the stakeholders.”

                                                                                                            ~ Dr. Brian Veitch

Wei Qiu, professor, Department of Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University

“As Memorial’s academic lead, I am thrilled to work with ICC Canada and many other partners on innovative engineering and regulatory solutions for safe and sustainable Arctic shipping. Through this exciting opportunity, we will develop novel design concepts and improve regulations to reduce underwater noise, emissions and other environmental impacts in future ship design and operation. Inuit communities play a key role in stewardship for Arctic shipping, and, accordingly, all our research will be in concert with their priorities and contributions. Our team is enthusiastic to contribute to improving the quality of life for Inuit living in the Arctic.”

                                                                                                            ~ Dr. Wei Qiu