300 p., 25 halftones, 2 maps, 6 x 9 Format: paper and electronic, click "Buy This Book" for pricing options. Price: $24.95 2012

In 1969, an icebreaking tanker, the SS Manhattan, was commissioned by Humble Oil to transit the Northwest Passage in order to test the logistical and economic feasibility of an all-marine transportation system for Alaska North Slope crude oil. Proposed as an alternative to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Manhattan made two voyages to the North American Arctic and collected volumes of scientific data on ice conditions and the behavior of ships in ice. The Manhattan ultimately demonstrated the impracticality of moving crude oil using icebreaking ships.

Breaking Ice for Arctic Oil details this historic voyage, establishing its significant impact on the future of marine traffic and resource development in the Arctic and setting the stage for the current oil crisis.

Ross Coen works at the Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He has published numerous articles on Alaska and arctic history in the Northern Review, Alaska Magazine, Alaska History, and other publications.

A great read—well organized, well written, and fully referenced—providing many lesser known details about SS Manhattan's history and the role it played in the Alaska pipeline debate.

—Shelagh D Grant, author of Polar Imperative

For close to a thousand years, mankind has sent explorers north to find shorter sea routes between the continents. The resources of the Arctic are drawing shippers now—for oil and gas, minerals and tourism. Ross Coen's thrilling account of the voyages of the SS Manhattanforetell today's challenges and opportunities.

—Mead Treadwell, Lt. Governor of Alaska and former chair, U.S. Arctic Research Commision

As the discussion of marine travel in the Arctic continues to ramp up, the release of Fairbanks' author Ross Coen's newest book couldn't be timelier.

—Arctic Sounder

Coen’s story shines as he describes the incredible natural barriers that literally held the huge ship back and the determination of her crew to get her to Prudhoe Bay.

—Fyddeye Guides