Receding sea ice in the Arctic due to climate change is increasing demand for the type of reinforced “icebreaker” vessels that can navigate the northern corners of the globe. In America, that’s created a challenge the country last faced in 1976: how to build and launch a new icebreaker. The US Coast Guard has two polar icebreakers and one is reaching the end of its useful life – but the WSJ reports that US engineers are having to relearn how to shape hardened steel for the hull – a task made harder by labour shortages and pandemic-related delays. It is a game of catch-up as Russia – which has three dozen national icebreakers – and China (which has four) – increase trade and military activity in the Arctic Ocean. Russia has already sent 10 ice-class tankers to China this year, up from 1 in 2022, says the FT – but Moscow is apparently so desperate to deliver its oil that it’s also authorised two unreinforced oil tankers to make the journey for the first time, despite the environmental risks.