A New Hub-port Concept for Tomakomai in Anticipation of the Era of Arctic Shipping

摘要

Ice-diminishing Arctic seas offer shorter navigation distances betweenAsian and European markets, as well as the benefits of reduction in fuelcosts and overall emissions from sailing vessels. To manage ice-classedships efficiently, hub-port scenarios will be needed to respond togrowing demand in shipping via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and tominimize the risk of accidents and pollution. Tomakomai in Hokkaidohas a marked geopolitical advantage as an Asian gate for the NSR.This paper examines a concept for a new Tomakomai hub-port mainlyfrom its geo-technological aspect.