Arctic shipping is frequently seen as a way of reducing transit time and distance on traditional East-West shipping routes. However, the potential of trade into the Northwest-Passage and making it economically viable and competitive has to be seen as a rather speculative undertaking. Arctic shipping might play a key role in exploiting recently discovered natural resources. The exploitation of these resources is challenging on the one hand and offers significant market prospects and commercial opportunities on the other. The use of tankers in the Arctic is not a new phenomenon, but the volume of exploitable cargo would make Arctic shipping one of the biggest future tanker markets. The pristine ecosystem in the Arctic is particularly vulnerable as the natural breakdown of pollutants is slower in the Arctic climatic conditions. Emissions regulation will require ships to reduce emissions significantly in the future. Integration will be a key issue as navigation in the Arctic may impact stakeholders beyond the region.