Expanding maritime domain awareness capabilities in the arctic: High Frequency radar vessel-tracking

The arctic could be ice free during the summer by as early as 2040 [1]. This could alter the dominant shipping routes between Europe and Asia. The ability to monitor this traffic is hindered by lack of sensors, communication and power for the sensors. SeaSonde High Frequency radars were installed along the northwest corner of Alaska from July to December 2012. These radars were able to make simultaneous measurements of ocean surface currents as well as measure the position and velocity of vessels passing by the radar. This successful demonstration proves that High Frequency radar can be a valuable tool for providing maritime domain awareness and persistent surveillance capabilities in the arctic.