The authors of this report set out to analyze and outline the current trends and dynamics of Arctic shipping through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Bering Strait region as a steady diminishment of Arctic sea ice increases commercial access to Arctic waters. We sought to test the proposition that the Bering Strait, and extremely narrow passage shared by Russia and the United States, could become a maritime passage of the future. As such, it is vital that the United States, Russia, and other Arctic nations enhance Arctic maritime safety and stewardship in this region.