© koninklijke brill nv, leiden, ���8 | doi �0.��63/9789004367005_0�7 Ocean Yearbook 32: 427–455 Expansion of Business Activities in the Arctic: The Issue of Search and Rescue Services Megan Drewniak U.S. Coast Guard on Secondment, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden Dimitrios Dalaklis World Maritime University, Maritime Education and Training, Malmö, Sweden Introduction Until recently, harsh year-long environmental conditions have significantly hindered or even completely blocked the necessary access and transport con- nections in the Arctic. Even in the case that weather did permit vessel passages, unreliable navigational aids and the lack of infrastructural support provided obstacles and inherent risks rather difficult to overcome. But, the scientifically proven decline of ice coverage can now positively influence business activities in the wider region (such as mining, tourism cruises and fishing) and boost the level of trans-Arctic maritime traffic.1 Additionally, a significant number of private companies and government-related entities already operate within (or, at least have considered taking advantage of) the “High North,” targeting high profits. A significant number of them are looking to exploit previously untapped resources such as precious minerals and vast quantities of energy resources (oil and gas), with the case of the Yamal Project standing out.2 Mari- time transport activities in this region have clearly intensified during the last 1 D. Dalaklis and E. Baxevani, “Maritime routes in the Arctic: Examining the level of traffic and port capabilities along the Northern Sea Route,” Ocean Yearbook 31 (2017): 106–135. See also D. Dalaklis, E. Baxevani and P. Siousiouras, “The Future of Arctic Shipping Business and the Positive Influence of the Polar Code,” (paper presented at International Association of Mari- time Economists 2016 Conference, Hamburg, Germany, August 24, 2016). 2 Launched at end of 2013, this is one of the most complex liquefied natural gas (LNG) proj- ects ever undertaken, located above the Arctic Circle and in a region that is ice-bound for seven to nine months during the year, Yamal is isolated from the necessary logistics infra- structure. LNG tankers with icebreaking capabilities, specially designed for the project, will ship LNG to international markets through the Northern Sea Route (NSR), see Total, “Yamal LNG: The Gas That Came in From the Cold,” available online: <http://www.total.com/en/ energy-expertise/projects/oil-gas/lng/yamal-lng-cold-environment-gas>.