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Giant Antarctic iceberg poses hazard to shipping

Ships heading around the tip of South America should be on their guard as one of the largest icebergs ever recorded is likely to head in that direction.

The giant, 5,800 sq km iceberg broke away from the Antarctic peninsula earlier this week and is now adrift in the Weddell Sea.

Weighing more than a trillion tonnes, the iceberg is twice the size of Luxembourg, and is likely to head north, according to scientists.

The threat to shipping will come when the iceberg starts to break up. In its current state it is easy to keep track of via satellites. However, as it breaks it up it could become a serious hazard to vessels in the area.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.

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