Shipping Trends in Nunavut from 1990-2015

Abstract

This study involved in-depth examination of the past and present shipping activities across Nunavut, Canada from 1990 to 2015. The analysis was performed using Canadian Coast Guard NORDREG data and a geospatial database constructed by the research team. Marine traffic increased dramatically over the 26-year period examined in the study. The total distance travelled by all vessels doubled between 1990 (345,567 km) and 2015 (793,684 km), with a notably steep increase in distance between 2005 (430,0073 km) and 2008 (702,561 km) and the distance travelled by some vessel types increased more substantially than others (e.g., pleasure crafts, fishing vessels, and general cargo). The spatial concentration of ship traffic has been relatively consistent over time, however some changes in intensity and distribution are evident within certain vessel types and particularly in the Northwest Passage and throughout the Kitikmeot region. There has been a clear shift in geographic concentration of tourism vessels that favours the Northwest Passage over southern areas utilized in the past. Some vessel types, such as fishing vessels and bulk carriers, are more spatially limited than others such as passenger ships and icebreakers which are seen throughout Nunavut.