An overview of the atmospheric, sea ice and ocean conditions in the Nordic region is given, including the Baltic Sea, Greenland and Icelandic Waters, the Northern Sea Route and the Nordic Seas, with a focus on how ship traffic is affected and needs updated information to plan and conduct navigation more safely and efficiently. The use of models and observing networks in monitoring and forecasting of sea ice in two regions, the Baltic Sea and Greenland Waters, is described. Main products available from each of these ice services are listed. The role of satellite data in sea ice monitoring is then discussed in general terms, outlining how new high-resolution image data can be used in an operational context. A system for distribution of met-ice-ocean data and information via Internet and other communication networks (e.g. satellite or mobile phone) is described, and examples of how such products can be delivered in real time shown. This system has been developed during an EC-funded project IWICOS (Integrated Weather, Sea Ice and Ocean Service System). The report also contains numerous links to organisations, institutes, international programmes, etc. working with issues related to atmospheric, sea ice and ocean conditions in the Nordic region and Arctic or Antarctic regions. Extensive contact information is provided for ice services around the world, and Internet links are given for these and other entities working with meteorological, sea ice and ocean data and information products.

NERSC Technical Report no. 222. Funded by the Nordic Arctic research Programme, Contract no. 55-009