Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course
This course explains how melting ice is opening up new commercial routes in the Arctic and what navigating them involves. You will study the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage, the Polar Code, ice-class ships, operational and environmental risks and the geopolitical and economic context of these routes.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course?
This short course helps you explore the shipping routes of the future in the Arctic. You will study the geography of the Arctic, the evolution of sea ice, navigation seasons and future outlooks, the Northern Sea Route, the Northwest Passage and the Transpolar Route, current traffic and support ports, the structure of the Polar Code, the Polar Ship Certificate and manual, IACS polar classes, crew training and icebreaker escort, ice navigation, extreme cold and icing, communications, search and rescue and pollution prevention, and the economics and geopolitics of these new routes.
What sets this course apart: a strategic topic, routes that could change trade between continents; a practical explanation of the Polar Code and its requirements for ships and crews; an honest look at real risks such as ice, extreme cold, isolation and the environment; a clear analysis of the interests of Arctic states and global trade; and a practical case in which you plan a voyage along an Arctic route, making it an ideal complement to the Master's in Polar Exploration and Ice Navigation.
Programme highlights
- Strategic topic: routes that could change trade between continents.
- Polar regulations: the Polar Code explained in a practical way.
- Real risks: ice, extreme cold, isolation and the environment.
- Economics: distances, costs, insurance and fees compared with traditional routes.
- Geopolitics: the interests of Arctic states and of global trade.
- Ideal complement: to the Master's in Polar Exploration and Ice Navigation.
Syllabus of the Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
The Arctic and climate change
- 1.1. Geography of the Arctic
- 1.2. Evolution of sea ice
- 1.3. Navigation seasons
- 1.4. Future outlook
- 1.5. Environmental impact of shipping traffic
Arctic routes
- 2.1. The Northern Sea Route
- 2.2. The Northwest Passage
- 2.3. The Transpolar Route
- 2.4. Current traffic
- 2.5. Ports and support services
The Polar Code and ice-class ships
- 3.1. Structure of the Polar Code
- 3.2. Polar Ship Certificate and Polar Water Operational Manual
- 3.3. IACS polar classes
- 3.4. Crew training
- 3.5. Icebreaker escort
Risks and safety
- 4.1. Navigation in ice
- 4.2. Extreme cold and icing
- 4.3. Communications and isolation
- 4.4. Search and rescue
- 4.5. Pollution prevention
Economics, geopolitics and practical case
- 5.1. Comparison of distances and transit times
- 5.2. Costs, insurance and fees
- 5.3. Governance and the Arctic Council
- 5.4. Strategic interests
- 5.5. Practical case: planning a voyage
Duration and format of the Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course
Career opportunities after the Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course
Questions about the Arctic Routes and New Commercial Shipping Routes Course
No. The mandatory Polar Code training is delivered by centres approved by the maritime authorities. This course gives you a complete overview of the routes and their context.
Yes, within limited seasons and under specific conditions. The course analyses current traffic.
Yes, both the impact of climate change and that of shipping traffic itself.
Yes. The economic and geopolitical content is accessible to any profile.
You plan a voyage along an Arctic route.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enrol.
More programmes in Bridge and navigation
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at officers and masters interested in polar navigation, shipping company professionals studying new routes, international logistics and trade analysts, marine insurance professionals who assess polar risks and international relations students with an interest in the Arctic; a nautical, technical, economic or international relations background, or experience in the maritime sector, is recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.