Transforming Global Politics: Trump’s Arctic Ambitions and the Battle for Greenland’s Northwest Passage

If shipping executive Niels Clemensen had advice for anyone looking to work in Greenland, it would be simple: “Come up here and see what you’re dealing with.”

From his office overlooking Nuuk harbor, where snow swirls in fierce winds, Clemensen, the head of Royal Arctic Line, discusses the challenges of operating in Greenland. “Setting up operations is not as straightforward as it might be in the US or Europe. The extreme cold, ice, and rough seas make things complex,” he explains. With limited roads and no trains, transportation depends heavily on ships and planes. “It can be done, but it’s expensive.”

The Northwest Passage, an emerging shipping route due to melting Arctic ice, could cut travel time between Europe and Asia significantly. This development has attracted attention, including from former President Trump, who sees potential in Greenland.

Greenland’s strategic location along this route could open doors for shipping and resource extraction. However, many parts of Europe and the US are not well-prepared for the Arctic conditions. A lack of icebreakers—essential for navigating these icy waters—highlights this issue. Icebreakers are specialized vessels needed for operations in this challenging environment.

“Even if Denmark orders new icebreakers now, it will take years to build them,” says Clemensen.

He emphasizes that the Northwest Passage is not ice-free all year. “Ice is still present even as it melts,” he warns. Denmark, responsible for Greenland’s defense, has no functioning icebreakers after retiring its last ones in 2010. Governments are realizing the need for these vessels as global interests turn northward, with access to shipping routes and natural resources at stake.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has toured icebreakers in Finland and acknowledges the need for an Arctic defense strategy. New ships would also take time to construct.

In stark contrast, Russia is a dominant force in icebreaking. It boasts around 50 icebreakers, including several nuclear-powered ones capable of operating in harsh Arctic conditions. Other nations, like China and Canada, also maintain fleets of these crucial vessels, while cruise operators cater to Arctic tourism.

For commercial shipping, having icebreaking capabilities is vital, as the navigation window may only last for a few months each year. Even in the summer, ships need to meet polar code standards to safely navigate through ice.

Fisheries in Greenland rely on safe ice conditions. Coastal communities depend on traditional hunting and fishing, using snowmobiles and dog sleds for transport. Clemensen points to the shifting ice patterns, which further complicate access to fishing grounds.

Vittus Qujaukitsoq, an advocate for hunters and fishers in Greenland, shares concerns about the impact of icebreakers on local livelihoods. While some believe icebreakers could assist fishermen, many worry they would disrupt their way of life.

The unpredictable weather and diminishing ice cover due to climate change are already affecting these communities. Qujaukitsoq explains the importance of maintaining safe ice thickness for travel and fishing. He fears increased shipping traffic may endanger Inuit communities along the shipping routes.

Johanna Ikävalko, from the Arctic Centre, acknowledges the demand for high-performance icebreakers but maintains that navigating the Northwest Passage is risky, especially for transporting potentially hazardous materials like oil.

The future of the Arctic is uncertain, with nations vying for dominance. Russia is strengthening its presence with military bases, indicating a potential shift in global power dynamics as the Arctic becomes a focal point. The unfolding situation highlights the delicate balance between development and the preservation of traditional ways of living in Greenland.

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