Thus it was a significant accomplishment when, in September 1969, the SS Manhattan churned through hundreds of miles of heavy Arctic ice finally to negotiate the passage. But it was not an easy trip. The SS Manhattan became stuck in the ice at least six times, and needed to be freed by an accompanying Canadian icebreaker. It was even necessary to turn back after making an attempt to break through one major strait.

The Route

On August 24 the huge 150,000-ton, 1,005-foot-long SS Manhattan left Chester, Pennsylvania, headed up the Atlantic coast, traveled around Newfoundland, and passed through Davis Strait between Greenland and Baffin Island. In Baffin Bay she first met floes of ice, which she tested warily.

By its voyage the SS Manhattan attempted to establish the feasibility of building specially equipped fleets of ships for transporting commercial products over this hazardous passage.

Computers are now analyzing information gathered by the SS Manhattan to determine whether large tankers will be able successfully to traverse the passage throughout the year. Another voyage may be attempted by her in March to gather additional information to decide whether the route is commercially sound. What if it proves to be?

Veterans of the north would like to see the passage tackled in “March when she’s really tough.”

As already noted, the SS Manhattan may try this. At least until then it will not be known if the northwest passage will at last become an ocean highway, or will remain an elusive dream.