Porti e infrastrutture retroportuali a supporto del traffico artico: una prospettiva geografica

Starting from a geomapping representation of glacier melt, this research aims to analyze the port and hinterland landscape in support of the new Arctic shipping routes. The possibility of utilizing alternative shipping routes—and particularly the Northern Sea Route—requires the existence of territorial conditions linked to the geopolitics of ports and land-based infrastructure that support these new maritime transport opportunities. Methodologically, an initial representation of the new navigable areas resulting from glacial melting is created through the acquisition and analysis of satellite data processed in a GIS environment. In this regard, remote sensing images from different years will be compared to illustrate the changes that have occurred and the creation of new navigable spaces and routes. Concurrently, a mapping of the network of Arctic ports will be carried out, including their national affiliation, size, and facilities, based on which the trend in transit capacity and the resulting role in global transshipment will be reconstructed. A detailed analysis will focus on the land-based infrastructure developed by coastal states with a view to enhancing the opportunities offered by Arctic routes compared to traditional and established maritime transport routes. The summary cartographic overview aims to illustrate the existing territorial infrastructure in the area. The purpose of the study is to provide a geographical framework to support more strictly political and geopolitical analyses.