Abstract:The entry into force of the polar code provides mandatory regulations and advisory measures that can be implemented for the governance of Arctic shipping,which is helpful to reduce environmental and safety risks in Arctic waters. However,the weakness of environmental protection has been still criticized,which is manifested in the fact that the use of heavy fuel oil has not been officially banned,the emission of black carbon and discharge of grey water has not been strictly controlled,and the invasion of alien species and ballast water from shipping have not been taken into account. The Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Group under the Arctic Council has successively issued the Arctic Shipping Report and the report of “Underwater Noise in the Arctic:A State of Knowledge” after the polar code came into effect. The Black Carbon and Methane Expert Group under the Arctic Council has made fruitful and pioneering work on black carbon governance in the Arctic. Russia and Canada have made different responses to the new trends of IMO after the polar code. IMO has recently launched the work plan for the next phase of implementing polar code and continuing to improve environmental protection measures,in order to take further measures to remedy the loopholes and deficiencies of polar code. IMO should cooperate with the Arctic Council in the future to jointly realize good governance of Arctic shipping.
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