Geographical Overview 2024

Geographical overview

Stakeholders & framework processes 2024

Introduction

Dear AECO members,

The purpose of this document is to present an overview of the authorities, other stakeholders, and topical issues in the regions within AECO’s geographical areas, that may impact and shape the environment and framework in which you operate.

Sections are listed geographically. For each area there is a short introductory text, an overview of public stakeholders, an overview of other stakeholders and partners, an overview of new and coming regulations, and a list of topics concerning tourism development in general and cruise tourism specifically.

AECO’s involvement in policy making and regulatory processes spans from simple consultation responses when no major consequences for the industry is involved, via committee and membership inputs to potential responses, to major processes where AECO can be part of working groups, official committees, and (also drive) larger processes with membership, individual members, and external partnership involvement.

AECO’s geographical range includes 4/5 different countries with different administrative structures, and political and cultural differences, also regarding decision-making processes. This may require different approaches when advocating for industry interests.

Information and updates from AECO are shared mainly through email updates, postings in AECO’s social media and newsletter, membership meetings, the annual report, and this overview.

Best regards,

The

Secretariat

Svalbard

• Svalbard has a total population of approx. 3000 people. This includes inhabitants of Longyearbyen, Ny Ålesund and Barentsburg.

• Svalbard is part of the Kingdom of Norway.

• The Svalbard Treaty gives Norway full and absolute sovereignty of Svalbard and Norwegian legislations applies.

• Norwegian authority cannot discriminate against or favor any residents or nationals from the treaty parties.

• Svalbard is governed by the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren) on behalf of the Norwegian Government. The Governor reports to the Ministry of Justice, but also has responsibilities that fall under the authority of other ministries, e.g. the Ministry of climate and environment.

• Longyearbyen is in selected areas governed by Longyearbyen Local Council (Lokalstyre).

Public stakeholders

There are several public stakeholders in Svalbard on the national and local level. The below overview maps the key decision-making authorities and stakeholders.

The Inter-ministerial Committee on Polar Affairs has been established to coordinate the central administration’s proceedings and decisions, as well as advise ministries and agencies in polar affairs.

Other partners and stakeholders

Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

Arctic University, Tromsø (Arctic Nature Guide)

DNV (Det Norske Veritas)

North University, Bodø

Other commercial actors

National Local

Arctic Council Secretariat

Pole Position (agent)

Arctic Economic Council Secretariat

Bring (agent)

Svalbard Guide Association

Regulatory framework

Growth in tourism in Svalbard has led to increasing concerns for the environment within the Government and NGO’s, with a push for stricter regulations. It has also led to a growing negative sentiment towards tourism among the local population.

New, updated policies and regulations

Subject Authority Content

When Policy paper

Cruise Committee

Ministry of Justice and Public Security

Svalbard White Paper Ministry of Justice and Public Security

Regulatory issues

Norwegian salary and work conditions when sailing in Svalbard waters

Ministry of Industry and Fishery

Various proposals for Norway and Svalbard related to safety and SAR.

Includes recommendation of max 500/750 people onboard in all Svalbard waters.

Delivered Feb 22, follow ups in the making

Provide overall direction for the Svalbard policy Spring 2024

12 pax regulation

Norwegian Maritime Authority

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

Proposal to apply Norwegian salaries and work conditions if 50% or more of the time of the total cruise is spent between Norwegian harbors

Regulates sightseeing from mother vessel. with small vessels carrying 12 or less passengers. Special conditions apply. Presently enforced through an exemption. Parts of the authorities push for stricter regulations.

Does not apply to Svalbard.

Regulation paused; exemption extended through 2024.

New local regulations

New environmental regulations

Passenger number limitation in national parks

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Prohibition of landings in protected areas

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Polar bears protection

Walrus protection

Birds in bird cliffs

Ice breaking

Drones and submersibles

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Maximum 200 passenger limitation in national parks (in addition to the 200 passengers’ limitation in Eastern Svalbard nature reserves).

General prohibition of landings from cruise vessels in protected areas. Various exemptions apply.

Minimum 500/300-meters distance to polar bears, duty to pull back/out, nondisturbance (behavior change) at any distance

Minimum 300 meters distance at sea from walrus haul outs on land, minimum 50 meters ashore.

Applies from Jan 1, 2025

Remove acceptance of Site-specific Guidelines

Ministry of Climate and Environment

Proposed new field safety regulations

Guide certification

Permission to operate

Other proposed regulations

Tax requirement

Ministry of Justice and Public Security

Ministry of Justice and Public Security

Applies from Jan 1, 2025

Refer to AECO for more info.

Likely applied from Jan 1, 2025, TBC

Applies from Jan 1, 2025

5 kts speed limitation within 500 meters. Applies from Jan 1, 2025

Prohibited to break fast ice.

Prohibition for use of drones in protected areas (1) and within 500 meters from bird colonies/cliffs and submersibles in general (2)

Discontinue current system of industry site specific guidelines as a legal requirement (continued as AECO requirement)

Demand for guide certification for guides working in Svalbard.

Change to requirements for operator permissions

Ministry of Finance Requirements to register in tax register when operator and/or person stay exceeds 29 days within Svalbard territory.

Applies from Jan 1, 2025

(1) Applies from Jan 1, 2025

(2) Likely applied from Jan 1, 2025, TBC

Applies from Jan 1, 2025

TBC

TBC

TBC

Package Travel Act enforcement

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

Topics of public debate

Enforce Package Travel Act for Svalbard operations TBC

Focus Topics

Tourism industry

Law enforcement

Tourism growth

Experience of temporary over-tourism

Community capacity and value

Other capacities

Cost increases and lack of available flight seats due to tourism

Svalbard’s strategic geography has implications for security policy. Not all debates are public, and some regulations may have objectives not known to the public.

Tourism is an accepted industry, but if there is a conflict of interest between industry and environment, the regard for the environment will be prioritized.

The “precautionary principle” stands strong in environmental management and is applied when there one is unsure of consequences of activities.

Strict policy. Present Governor has expressed that his strategy is to react firmly and set standards to demonstrate what is expected from operators in Svalbard.

Large concern expressed with growing expedition cruise tourism, from national and local level.

Fatigue and frustration among locals not employed in tourism

Conflicts over rights to use of land and locations

Locals find it frustrating that regulations that are needed on tourism are also applied on locals.

Discussions on carrying capacity and how to define it.

Need to demonstrate local value, both economic value and others.

• Airport capacity – applied slots from 2023

• Harbor

• Hotel beds

Provisions – especially small boats that does not preorder, sometimes empties the local store for some goods.

During peak season it is difficult to find flight seats, and they are often very expensive.

Conflict of interests

Health system capacity

Media coverage

Frustration in Ny-Ålesund where research is jeopardized due to cruise vessels and visitors’ non-compliance with the “radio-silence” requirement.

For this reason, Ny Ålesund and Kongsfjorden may be considered closed for cruise traffic.

Longyearbyen Health System is small and fragile. Tourism adds pressure as the system is dimensioned for locals only. Hospital publicly outspoken and especially pointing at cruise tourism.

Predominantly negative focus on cruise tourism in local media

Svalbard Cruise Forum

Cruise tourism to Longyearbyen comes with some challenges. This includes harbor, airport and transportation capacities, daily visitor volumes, upset local community and lack of coordination, communication, and information.

To meet these challenges, Visit Svalbard in collaboration with AECO and local partners has established Svalbard Cruise Forum as a three-year project (2023-2025).

Svalbard Cruise Forum’s coordinator and contact person is Eva-Britt Kornfeldt, evabritt(a)visitsvalbard.com.

Svalbard Cruise Forum (SCF) was established early 2023 with Visit Svalbard, Svalbard Airport, Longyearbyen Local Council/Longyearbyen Harbor and AECO as steering group, and several other local stakeholders as collaborating partners. Visit Svalbard runs SCF’s secretariat The forum has executed several actions and activities, including:

• Gateway to Svalbard meeting – annual meeting for cruise operators, with pre-season information from local and national authorities and stakeholders.

• Individual meetings between SFC and most cruise operators.

• Follow up meetings with individual stakeholders in Longyearbyen through the summer.

• Collaboration with Longyearbyen hospital. Development of checklist for cruise operators.

• Information package and active distribution of important information such as local guidelines and checklist from the hospital.

• Infrastructural and litter cleaning initiatives on days with high cruise tourist

• visitation (cleaning litter from tourists).

• More open and manned harbor office and information available.

• Field staff corner in harbor service office.

• Longyearbyen hosts on days with many cruise visitors.

• Airport slots, checking boots in town center and bus/luggage solutions.

• Information strategy including running add with call list in Svalbardposten and weekly Facebook updates.

• Analyses of statistics, building competence, advocating for accurate

Iceland

• Iceland has a total population of approx. 372.000 people. Around 63% (242.995 people) of the population live in the greater capital area, from Hafnarfjörður to Mosfellsbær (January 2023).

• Iceland formally became an independent, constitutional republic with own government in 1944.

• The head of state is the President. Executive power is exercised by the Government. Iceland’s parliament, the Althingi, dates back to year 930.

• Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Althingi. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

• Unlike in other AECO areas, land can be in private ownership, where individuals and entities can own land as private property. The Icelandic government also owns significant amounts of land, particularly in protected areas, national parks, and state land. There are certain restrictions and regulations in place regarding land use, particularly in sensitive environmental areas, to protect Iceland’s unique natural resources. Landowner registry.

• Iceland´s 64 municipalities are grouped into eight regions

Other partners and stakeholders

National Local

Icelandic Tourist Board

Iceland

Iceland Travel, tour operator

Atlantik, tour operator

The Icelandic Travel Industry Association (SAF) Samskip, port agent

The Icelandic Tourism Cluster Blue Water, port agent

The Icelandic Tourism Research Centre Gára, port agent

Cruise

Subject

Regulatory framework

New, updated policies and regulations

Law on ships that affects permitting for zodiac cruising Ministry of Infrastructure

Reporting of nature landings in SafeSeaNet

Ministry of Infrastructure

Accommodation tax Ministry of Ministry of Finance

According to Article 41 Law on ships no. 66/2021, a license from the Icelandic Transport Authority is required for commercial passenger transport in the jurisdiction of Iceland. It includes e.g. tourist excursions, whether on RIBs, Zodiac boats, submarines, or other boats.

Cruise ships are exempt from the rules, but their ships [zodiacs] are only exempt when they ferry people directly to shore and back. For zodiac cruising/excursions, operators need a permit from the Icelandic Transport Authority.

All passenger ships, over 300 GT, shall notify the Icelandic Maritime Traffic Service (Icelandic Coast Guard) of their estimated route to the next port, 24 hours before they arrive at the first port in Iceland. Additionally, they must inform the Maritime Traffic Service where and when they intend to disembark passengers outside the ports.

It is recommended that such notifications reach the maritime watch station with 24 hours’ notice before arriving at the first port. The information should accompany the ship’s notifications to the Icelandic Maritime Administration, SafeSeaNet.

Accommodation tax for cruise vessels Tax is applied on each unit. The amount of the accommodation tax on board cruise ships is 1.000 ISK for each accommodation unit. The settlement period for accommodation tax for cruise ship operators is the period the ship stays within the customs territory of Iceland at any given time.

Exemptions are given to vessels in distress and do not apply for accommodation units for crew and staff. Accommodation sold before January 1st, 2024, for use during the year 2024 or later is exempt from accommodation tax provided that an invoice for the total cost of the accommodation was issued no later than 31st of December 2023.

Passed in July 2021

Passed in November 2023

Passed in December 2023

Coming/proposed policies and regulations

Subject Authority Content

Iceland tourism strategy and action plan

Minister of Busi- ness and Culture (incl Tourism)

Implementation of Schengen Entry/Exit System

Ministry of Justice

Dynjandi preservation plan

Cruise customs exemption removal

Cruise strategy for Reykjavik Visit Reykjavik, City of Reykjavik, Faxafloahafnir (Port of Reykjavik)

The first draft of a new cruise strategy and action plan was published for consultation in February 2024. AECO has submitted consultation response. The suggested implementations for cruise are a) removal of the (new) accommodation tax and introduction of an infrastructure tax for cruise. B) Each region in Iceland should form a working group to analyze and make a strategy for cruise tourism in their region both for ports and nature landings.

A law has been passed to implement this system in Iceland, but the implementation process has been postponed. It is unclear how this will affect turnaround operations. Cruise Iceland and CLIA are in dialogue with Frontex.

This preservation plan will most likely include rules on helicopters and submersibles. It will be suggested that all flights below 1000 feet be forbidden and submersibles subject to permits.

Cruise ships currently enjoy customs exemption for the goods that come to Iceland with the ships. The ships also enjoy duty-free access to all goods purchased for consumption from passengers and crew on board the ships during the four months they stay on shore in each twelvemonth period. This exemption will be removed and will affect circumnavigations and Iceland-only itineraries.

When

Presented and discussed in parliament Q2/Q3 2024

Q3/Q4 2024

January 1st 2025

The city of Reykjavik has tasked Visit Reykjavik with making a strategy for cruise tourism in Reykjavik. The goal is to create a shared vision on threshold and reception of cruise. 2024

Topics of public debate

Focus Topics

Overtourism

Nature landings

Local value

Hotels lobbying against cruise

Pollution and shore power

Norwegian Prima near miss

12 ports in Iceland have now set cruise passenger capacity limitations in place. This ranges from 500 pax/day to 8000 pax/day and is a reaction to the growth in cruise tourism. Overtourism in Iceland remains a concern and a topic of public debate. Cruise is considered by many to be mass tourism.

Unauthorized nature landings through the years have created a “folklore” that cruise vessels do whatever they please and that this traffic is uncontrolled. Even though there have not been reported incidents in recent years, the reputation persists.

The long-standing sentiment is that cruise passengers “leave nothing behind” and do not spend money ashore, since everything is provided by the vessel.

The chairman of Icelandic Hotel association has written articles about how unfair it is that hotels are subject to local taxes and fees, but cruise ships (which he sees as a competitor) only pay port fees. This has resulted in accommodation tax now including cruise and the proposed infrastructure tax for cruise.

Pollution from cruise ships is a long-standing theme in Iceland. Ports have reacted by investing in shore power and implementing the EPI system.

A report from a near miss incident in Reykjavik in 2023 may have further consequences for cruise tourism in Iceland.

Greenland

• Greenland has a total population of approx. 56 000 people.

• Greenland is part of the Danish Kingdom with Denmark and Faroe Islands. Greenland has a self-government, with a parliament (Inatsisartut) and a government (Naalakkersuisut) elected by the Greenlandic population.

• The Danish state is among other responsible for security, upholding sovereignty, SAR, police, courts, penal system, and the currency which is Danish kroner (DKK).

• The Greenlandic Government is among other responsible for economic development, infrastructure, health system, educational system, environment, and social services.

• Some policy areas are shared or taken care of in collaboration.

Public stakeholders

The below overview map key public stakeholders on three levels: Danish Realm (State), Greenland Government and Regional (Municipal), which are directly impacting the operational framework for the expedition cruise industry

In addition, the Danish Maritime Authority (Søfartsstyrelsen) issues maritime regulation for Greenland and the Danish Veterinary Authority (Veterinærmyndigheden) set standards for food quality and control in Greenland.

Other partners and stakeholders

National

Port Agencies

Campus Kujalleq (School for Tourism and Guide training)

Pilotage companies

KNI (supplies, bunkering)

Brugseni, Pisiffik (supplies)

Air Greenland (Greenland national airline)

KAIR / Mittarfeqarfiit (Airport management)

Regulatory framework

Local operators/providers/museums

Sikuki Nuuk Harbour A/S (Limited company managing Port of Nuuk)

UNESCO Sites (Ilulissat Icefjord center, Aasivissuithttps://visitsouthgreenland.com/kujataaunesco-world-heritage/ – Destination Arctic Circle, and Kujataa - South Greenland)

Local businesses, shops, producers

Over the past years, growth in tourism and increase in local tourism businesses have spurred discussions on how to ensure local value from tourism and led to increased interest in tourism from decisionmakers. This has led to calls for new and updated regulations.

Subject

Recommendation for sailing in sensitive areas

Greenland Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, Self-Sufficiency, and Energy

Recommendation to avoid specific fjords in NE-Greenland to protect narwal from disturbance. Recommended 5 knot speed limits in sensitive buffer areas

Passenger Tax

Greenland Ministry of Taxation

Reintroduction of a Cruise Passenger Tax (“Pax Tax”) of DKK 50 per passenger on board in the following ports:

• Qaanaaq, Upernavik, Uummannaq, Qeqertarsuaq, Ilulissat, Qasigiannguit, Aasiaat, Kangaatsiaq, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Paamiut, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq, Qaqortoq, Nanortalik, Tasiilaq, Ittoqqortoormiit

Port taxes depending on Gross Tonnage (GT):

• For vessels under 30 000 GT unchanged port fee (DKK 1,10 per GT).

• For vessels from 30 000 GT the fee is DKK 2,20 per GT.

• An exemption applies to Nuuk. Please confirm with your port agent for exact fees.

Introduction of a new Maintenance- and Environmental fee which will be enforced at settlements and nature sites designated by the municipalities.

• The fee can be up to DKK 50 per passenger/per location, regardless of whether the passenger goes ashore or not.

• The list of locations and fee per location will be submitted by the municipalities on October 1, for the coming year.

When

Issued March 2023.

In effect from January 2024

Visa requirement for crew on shore leave

Greenland Police

Clearance on entry to Greenland

Greenland Police

The Greenland Police has announced that it grants a provisional permission for temporary shore leave for shore leave in accordance with ILO C108 and the Schengen Border Code 2016/399.

The Greenland police announced that until the end of 2024 previous interpretation and execution of regulations would be unchanged.

Announced May 2023, reconfirmed March 2024.

Exemption for establishing Port infrastructure in Greenland

Greenland Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure

Executive Order allowing establishing port infrastructure without approval from the Government under specific circumstances and exclusively supporting the owners own activities.

Announced June 2023, reconfirmed March 2024

Expected in force Spring 2024

Implementation of HFO ban –two Executive Orders

Danish Ministry of Environment

Implementation of the decision by the UN’s Marine environment Protection Committee to ban the use and transport of heavy fuel oil (HFO) for vessel fuel in the Arctic.

The Executive Orders implements the HFO-ban for the Greenland Economic Exclusive Zone, for Danish flagged vessels in the Arctic and for vessels in Antarctic.

Expected in force by July 1, 2024

Coming/proposed policies and regulations

Subject Authority

Executive Order on Pilotage in Greenland

Greenland Tourism Law

Danish Maritime Authority

Implementation of sailing zones –Executive Order

Greenland Ministry of Business, Trade, Natural resources, Equality and Justice.

Content

Allow better recruitment basis for new pilot candidates.

Greenland Ministry of Business, Trade, Natural resources, Equality and Justice.

A new Tourism Law is proposed to give authority to the Greenland Government to implement various tourism regulations, to increase local value from tourism and ensure sustainable development. The law is expected to include:

• Requirements for Greenland registered tourism businesses.

• Grant authority to establish sailing zones in Greenland (see below)

• Framework for tourism standards applying to Greenlandic tourism operators.

Executive Order, based in the Tourism Act, dividing Greenland waters in three categories of zones.

Criteria for zones and proposals for zoned areas will be described in the Executive Order.

the proposal for zones in Greenland, which is that Greenland waters will be divided in three types of zones:

1) Green zones with no restrictions on traffic. Expected to be most of the area.

2) Yellow zones with restrictions on traffic and specific requirements to enter.

3) Red zones or no-go zones. Expected to be few and specific areas.

When

Expected to be in force in 2024.

Consultation in Spring 2024.

Presentation to Parliament Autumn 2024.

Expected in consultation Early Autumn 2024.

Zones may be implemented by 2025.

Polar bear sightseeing –Executive Order

Narwal protection in sensitive areas – Executive Order

Greenland Ministry of Business, Trade, Natural resources, Equality and Justice.

Revised Act on concessioned tourism activities

Revised Cover Letter for travel in Remote Areas

Greenland Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, SelfSufficiency, and Energy

Executive Order, based on the Tourism Act, describing requirements for polar bear sightseeing. This new Executive Order is expected to replace the current §4, item 3 of the Executive Order on Protection of Polar Bears.

Likely based on Recommendations for sailings in sensitive areas in Greenland (issued May 2023).

Mandatory no-go protection zones and buffer zones with speed limit.

Coastal areas in NE and potentially NW (Qaanaaq area) Greenland.

May be included in the coming Executive Order on sailing zones.

Expected in force by 2025

National Tourism Strategy 20242028

Greenland Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Business

Expedition Office, Greenland Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, SelfSufficiency, and Energy

Greenland Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Business & Visit Greenland

Specification on requirements for obtaining concession rights to certain tourism activities.

Updated instructions for permit applications for travelling in remote areas of Greenland (for example NEGreenland National Park)

In force by 2025?

Describe focus areas for the period 2024-2028

Likely focus on sustainability, local involvement, and local value

Likely section on goals for cruise tourism.

Autumn 2024

2024?

2024?

Topics of public debate

Focus Topics

Experience of temporary over-tourism

Community capacity

Infrastructure capacity

Health system capacity

Safety capacity

Local value

Record number of cruise calls planned for 2024.

Some communities receive double- or triple calls om same day

Some communities feel overwhelmed, and do not wish for in- crease in tourism. Other communities wish for more visits.

Discussions on carrying capacity and how to define it.

• Port facilities lack maintenance and upgrades

• Narrow roads

• Lack of public toilets

• Dimensions and space in restaurants, shops, museums etc

• Greenland Health System is fragile and understaffed

• Tourism adds pressure as the system is dimensioned for locals only.

Handling foreign patients adds additional administrational work on health workers.

• Limited SAR capacity in Greenland

• Calls for more use of local guides.

• Complaints that cruise vessels use their own guides and equipment when visiting communities and not using local opera- tors.

The persistent narrative that cruise tourism does not contribute any significant value to Greenland.

• New surveys show considerable economic value from cruise tourism.

Nunavut and Inuvialuit (NWT), Canada

• Four regions make up Inuit Nunangat: the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (northern Northwest Territories), Nunavut, Nunavik (northern Quebec) and Nunatsiavut (northern Labrador).

• 36,858 people reside in Nunavut (30,865 are Inuit) and 5,336 people reside in the Inuvialuit region (3,145 are Inuit).

• Nunavut’s has four official languages: English, French, Inuktitut, and Inuinnaqtun. Inuvialuktun is the Inuit language spoken in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories.

• Canada recognizes that Indigenous peoples have an inherent right of selfgovernment. Negotiated agreements set out law-making authority in many areas. Since the mid-1970s, the federal government has devolved responsibilities for health, education, social services, housing, and airports. Yukon and Northwest Territories and Yukon gained control of their lands and resources in 2003 and 2014, respectively. Nunavut began to negotiate for control over its lands and resources in 2014.

• Canada’s federal government has six administrative regions across the country, three of which cover the different Inuit regions: Newfoundland and Labrador (Nunatsiavut), Quebec (Nunavik) and Central and Arctic (Nunavut and Northwest Territories).

• Territorial governments are responsible for overseeing a variety of elements related to passenger vessel operation in the Canadian Arctic including, inter alia; wildlife management and the management of cultural resources (e.g., archeology, paleontology, etc.)

Public stakeholders

National Local

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Canada Inc. Local businesses, shops, producers

Oceans North

WWF Canada

Green Marine

Northern Land Claims Organizations

Nunavut Planning Commission

Northwest Passage Marine

Martech Polar Consulting Ltd

Tactical Marine Solutions

Inuit Marine Monitoring Program

University of Ottawa (Northern Corridors Initiative)

Cruise Lines International Association

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Regulatory framework

New, updated policies and regulations

Subject Authority Content

Voluntary avoidance of a large part of Eclipse Sound Mittimatalik/ Pond Inlet Hunter and Trapper Organization

When

Request that all non-essential vessels avoid a large part of Eclipse Sound. 2023 and 2024

Wastewater regulations (Interim Order) Transport Canada Measures for wastewater discharge in Canadian Arctic waters. 2023 and 2024

New insurance requirements vessels

Transport Canada

The Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations now has a maximum penalty of 250,000 dollars for not complying with its provisions and Chapter XIV of SOLAS: Polar Code.

2030 Emissions Reduction Plan

Transport Canada

40% GHG intensity reduction by 2030, and revise targets in 2026. And net zero by 2050.

Enhanced protection standards for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Coming/proposed policies and regulations

Canada is developing new standards for all MPAs in Canada, Limitations or prohibitions are proposed for the following vessel discharges up to 12 nautical miles in existing and new MPAs:

• oily engine bilge

• sewage (blackwater)

• greywater

• food waste

• scrubber washwater

Subject

Canadian Arctic to be designated an Emission Control Area (ECA)

Environment and Climate Change Canada

The Arctic ECA was approved at IMO in March 2024.

Ships constructed after January 1, 2025, must comply with NOx Tier III standards.

As of 2027, ships must use fuel with a Sulphur content below 0.1%

Amending the NORDREG reporting requirements

New requirements for non–SOLAS vessels

Transport Canada

Transport Canada

The new requirements will require the vessels to report at least 24 hours before entering the NORDREG Zone.

The International Maritime Organization has adopted requirements for non–SOLAS vessels which will be add to the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution

Prevention Regulations. The changes reflect Chapters 9 and 11 of the Polar Code.

2025

January 1, 2026, or January 01, 2027, for ships constructed before January 1, 2026.

Electronic clearance into Canadian waters

Canadian Boarder Services Agency

Ban on Fuel of Heavy Fuel Oil in Arctic Waters

Transport Canada

AECO is attempting to request from the Minister of Public Safety that expedition cruise vessels are allowed to clear customs electronically.

TBC

Interim Order for the Ban on the Use and Carriage for Use as Fuel of Heavy Fuel Oil in Arctic Waters. July 2024

Amending the Marine Safety Management System Regulations

Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations (Pleasure Craft Licensing)

Transport Canada

Ocean Noise Strategy for Canada

Transport Canada

Nunavut Land Use Plan

Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

Environment and Climate Change Canada

The proposed Regulations would require that foreign vessels have a documented SMS to operate in Canadian waters

The proposed amendments to would establish a new 5-year validity period for all PCLs, reduce the time frame license holders must provide notification of a change of information, require that a new owner of a pleasure craft apply to transfer a PCL upon purchasing the pleasure craft.

As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, Canada is developing an Ocean Noise Strategy, which will inform a whole-of-government approach to addressing underwater noise in our oceans.

Nunavut Government May include impacts to operations and distances to wildlife and sensitive environmental and cultural areas.

AECO participated in the industry consultation in 2023.

Parks Canada

Tuvaijuittuq MPA (northwest coast of Ellesmere Island)

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Proposed conservation area – AECO member operations may be impacted.

Consultation fall, 2024

Proposed conservation area – AECO member operations may be impacted. TBC

Southampton Island Area of Interest (AOI)

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Proposed conservation area – AECO member operations may be impacted.

AECO participated in the industry consultation in 2023.

National Framework for Assessing the Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping

Transport Canada

Aims to better understand the impacts of shipping activity on marine environments

Topics of public debate

Focus Topics

SAR capabilities

Increased cruise tourism

Community impacts

Health system capacity

Permitting process

Lack of SAR capabilities in the Canadian Arctic with limited resources and delayed response times.

The resupply companies put pressure on the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) that there are not enough resources for other industries, and they need to be prioritized.

Increased number of voyages planned compared to pre-Covid. Cruise vessels are traveling further and further from SAR assets (according to CCG), putting pressure on the SAR authorities.

Increased tourism is also a concern for communities, especially regarding resources needed for turnarounds.

Capacity: Some people in communities feel overwhelmed, and do not wish for an increase in tourism. Others (often those selling crafts or services) are happy with the cruise activity.

Impacts to traditional livelihood: Hunters are often upset that cruise activity affects the animals they reply on for subsistence hunting.

The Canadian Arctic health care system is fragile and understaffed; they rely heavily on short-term locum physicians and nurses, many of whom come from outside the territory.

Tourism adds pressure to the system. Handling foreign patients adds additional administrational work on health workers.

The process is lengthy. Vessel operators should begin the permitting process 24 months prior to a voyage. The permits are not streamlined; several authorities, departments and organizations need to be contacted and community consultations can be timely.

Local value

Akademik Ioffe grounding

Persistent narrative that cruise tourism does not contribute any significant value.

This is often used as justification for the need for more regulations and issues related to SAR resources for community resupply operations.