This thesis reports the work that has been done in Alaskan waters on ship transits; gives examples of a system that has worked in the past - the Winter Navigation Program on the American Great Lakes - and two that are operating now, the Baltic, and the Russian Northern Sea Route in greater detail; discusses problems with ice: how to find it, and determine its characteristics; and how to decide on routing using various ice reconnaissance techniques. Vessel types and their special construction are discussed. In the chapter on operational considerations, the concept of ice-strengthened carriers under icebreaker escort is elaborated. The thesis continues with discussions of command and control arrangements, training and certification of crews, and environmental and regulatory issues. It closes with recommendations for further study, and summarized conclusions. Much of the material, especially on ship management, command and control, and relationships with regulatory bodies and environmentalists is based on the author's own experience. That experience includes command of several U.S. Coast Guard ships including a polar icebreaker, experience in the Winter Navigation Program on the American Great Lakes as an icebreaker captain, convoy commander on a number of convoys, and as a field commander of one of the operational sectors. Duties have also involved both writing Federal regulations when in a staff position, and enforcing Federal statutes and regulations in command positions afloat and ashore. That experience has led to certain biases, which are indicated as appropriate.