Understanding changes in iceberg–ship coexistence throughout the eastern Canadian Arctic: 2012–2019

Icebergs present a known hazard to ships operating in ice-infested waters. As iceberg production rates vary, potentially compounded by climate change, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the extent to which icebergs pose navigational hazards. In this study, we explore the relationship between historic ship tracks derived from Automatic Identification System and iceberg drift locations obtained from in situ satellite trackers and the Canadian Ice Island Drift, Deterioration, and Detection Database. Using an iceberg–ship coexistence index we quantify this relationship throughout the eastern Canadian Arctic (ECA) from 2012 to 2019. Comparing 2012–2015 to 2016–2019, the total number of unique vessels operating in the ECA more than doubled. At the same time, icebergs were consistently observed throughout the entire ECA, specifically in Nares Strait, eastern Lancaster Sound, and east of Baffin Island. Regions where the largest increases in both icebergs and ships occurred were along the east coast of Baffin Island and east of Bylot Island, most often involving dry bulk vessels, and in Smith Sound between Ellesmere Island and NW Greenland involving passenger vessels. Recent reductions in the mean ice strengthening of ships operating in the ECA means the seriousness of any potential iceberg collision is likely increasing towards present day.