A climate change and oceanography researcher from the University of Strathclyde has been awarded a prestigious fellowship from the University of the Arctic (UArctic) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation to investigate how marine heatwaves impact Arctic sea ice and navigational safety.
Dr Bahareh Kamranzad of the University of Strathclyde is one of five recipients of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) fellowships to address the maritime safety challenges of the northernmost part of the Earth.
Strathclyde is a member of UArctic, a global network of organisations focused on research in the rapidly changing natural and social environment of the region.
Marine heatwaves
Dr Kamranzad, who studies the impacts of climate change on oceanic conditions and coastal processes, will investigate the effects of marine heatwaves on sea ice patterns, enhancing navigational safety models for the region.
The project, which builds on broader work at the Centre for Sustainable Development at Strathclyde, is funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation through a new joint initiative “Maritime Safety: Learning from the Past to Address Challenges to the Safety of Peoples in the Arctic”.
Dr Kamranzad said:
“It is a great opportunity for the University of Strathclyde to lead research on environmental changes in Arctic.
“This research project aims to develop a framework to understand and predict the impacts of marine heatwaves on Arctic sea ice dynamics, addressing critical challenges in Arctic navigational safety. “
According to the World Wildlife Foundation, the Arctic’s average temperature has already risen at a rate of almost four times the global average, warming faster than any other region on Earth.
Other successful projects to be awarded a share of £200,000, include a study of historical interactions and accidents, offering lessons for maritime operations and an initiative focusing on improving existing rescue capabilities for cruise ships in the challenging Arctic waters.
The fellowship projects will be delivered over two years and form part of a wider partnership between UArctic and Lloyd’s Register Foundation aimed at increasing understanding of, and mitigating the risks associated with Arctic maritime activities.
The external advisors on the Strathclyde project are the Technical University of Denmark, Lloyd’s Register Global Technology Centre, and National Research Council Canada.
Historical lessons
Gunnar Stefánsson, UArctic Vice-President of Research, said:
“By supporting research on risk, the working environment, historical lessons, and environmental impacts, and fostering collaboration among fellows from different countries across the Arctic, we aim to generate new insights and solutions for safer Arctic operations.”
Alex Stitt, Director of the Heritage Centre at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, added:
“The profound climate-driven changes affecting the Arctic are creating both challenges and opportunities.
“While these changes are becoming the subject of increasing political and media attention, it is important that we take proactive action to understand their practical implications, both for maritime safety and for the peoples of the Arctic.”