Donald Trump’s renewed interest in buying Greenland, citing national security, recently brought global attention to the Arctic.
While its vast mineral reserves remain a point of interest for many, broader economic development in the polar region has slowed considerably.
For Norwegian fisherman Sondre Alnes-Bonesmo, working in the Arctic Ocean at this time of year presents harsh challenges.
The sun has not risen since late October and won’t reappear until mid-February. Temperatures can plummet below -40°C, while massive storms bring waves that batter his ship.
Alnes-Bonesmo, 30, spends weeks aboard the Granit, one of the largest factory trawlers operating in Arctic waters off Norway and Greenland. His schedule includes two six-hour shifts daily during five-week tours. Despite the brutal conditions, the fishing vessel operates year-round, even in winter.
“I prefer the endless daylight of summer,” he admits with a smile. “The weather is calmer, and we’re not being slammed into the walls during storms, as we are when the waves are huge.” Donald Greenland
The Arctic “Cold Rush”
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Alnes-Bonesmo is part of what has been dubbed the Arctic “cold rush,” a term coined to reflect the region’s untapped potential. This phenomenon gained momentum in 2008 after studies highlighted the Arctic’s vast reserves of minerals, hydrocarbons, and fish stocks. Climate change, by reducing sea ice, has made these resources increasingly accessible.
Shrinking ice has also opened up new Arctic sea routes. Between 2013 and 2023, the total annual distance traveled by ships in the Arctic Sea more than doubled, rising from 6.1 million to 12.9 million miles. The long-term vision is to use Arctic waters as a faster shipping route between Asia, Europe, and North America.
However, the promise of prosperity contrasts sharply with the grueling realities faced by those like Alnes-Bonesmo, whose livelihoods depend on the region.
Too Late to the Game?
Despite the opportunities, Alnes-Bonesmo wonders if the Arctic boom has already peaked. While some industries have capitalized on the region’s resources, others have faced obstacles such as environmental challenges, high costs, and geopolitical tensions.
For now, he continues to endure the Arctic’s extremes, navigating an unforgiving environment that holds both opportunity and uncertainty.