• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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• 2013.10a
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• pp.69-70
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• 2013

IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) reported that the arctic sea-ice extent has been decreased by 2.7% per decades since satellite observations in 1978. The decreased sea-ice extent has gained an international attention due to its economical benefits from the NSR (Northen Sea Route). The NRS - not a clearly defined single route, but a number of alternative routes across the top of Russiahas a 37 % reduction in sailing distance, comparing to the SSR (Southen Sea Route) passing thourgh the Suez Canal. Sailing days are consequently reduced from 30 days to 20 days. Also, it is estimated that the Northen Sea has 20 to 25% of world's oil resources and occupies 40% of the world's fishery production. As Republic of Korea was admitted as an observer to the Arctic Council on May 15, 2013, there has been increasing needs to explore new route in the Northen Sea. In this situation, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) is preparing a plan for the development of Arctic-circle Ocean Environmental Information System to support the ice navigation and resource exploration in the Arctic. We will introduce a conceptual design of a satellite-based ice navigation supporting system for the northern sea route.