Improved tools for safe and sustainable shipping in the Arctic and Antarctic

WWF is collaborating with the British Antarctic Survey on improved tools for navigation, safety and environmental protection across polar waters.

Finding ways to make shipping safer and more sustainable is a priority for both Arctic and Antarctic waters. The British Antarctic Survey is working on a next-generation platform for polar marine support.

The PolarSight platform is based on Polar View which provides ships with near real-time satellite imagery and sea ice information. It helps crews make safer and more efficient decisions in some of the world’s most unpredictable waters.

PolarSight brings together decades of expertise and research in polar navigation and logistics. It is also applying advanced AI techniques.

Contributions from WWF

WWF provides important expertise in conservation, policy and industry to make shipping safer and more sustainable:

• The ArcNet initiative helps design safe and sustainable shipping. It outlines specific priority areas for conservation across the entire Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas.
• WWF’s work on Blue corridors identifies migratory routes for Arctic whales – beluga, bowhead whale and narwhal. Maps and data offer protective measures like reduced speed and route changes when the whales are migrating.
• WWF wants the International Maritime Organization to continue its efforts to reduce the impact of black carbon emissions from shipping in the Arctic. It should also implement guidelines that reduce underwater noise. For instance, beluga whales can detect icebreakers from up to 85 kilometres away. At 35 to 50 kilometres, ship noise can prompt panic and flight.

Win-win for all

PolarSight was presented at a meeting with the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) in June 2026.

Rod Downie, Chief Advisor on Polar and Oceans, WWF UK presented at the meeting:

“Shipping in the Arctic doesn’t have to come at the expense of people and nature. Route planning tools that enable ship operators to choose the highest safety and environmental standards is a win-win for all parties involved. WWF looks forward to continue our collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and the shipping sector towards stronger safety and environmental outcomes for any ship navigating polar waters,” says Downie.