According to forecasts, by 2050 the Arctic ice layer becomes so thin that seagoing vessels can go through the North Pole

Because of global warming by the middle of this century, icebreakers can lead the way directly over the North Pole, thus reducing significantly the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is expected that there will be a network of channels through which the ordinary court will be able to walk without support of icebreakers. Probably, the new North Sea route will run along the coast of Russia and will be 40% shorter than a modern way through the Suez Canal.

Will also be accessible hardly passable today treacherous Northwest Passage along the coast of Canada, which opens on average once every seven years, and because too unreliable for commercial shipping.

Already in the late summer Arctic ice melts enough to allow to pass cargo ships, accompanied by ice-breakers. Last summer, for example, has been successfully completed 48 flights.

via factroom.ru