The once impenetrable Arctic waters have become the latest battleground for sea dominance among military and maritime vessels, as increased activity from both Chinese and Russian Coast Guard and naval ships in recent months raise the level of concern in the U.S. The Northwest Passage sea route that extends north of Canada connecting the Arctic Ocean to the North Atlantic can save approximately 4,500 nautical miles in transit time. That can cut a vessel's trip from the Far East to Europe, and