Only ships that are capable of sustainable operation in arctic are nuclear icebreakers. US has only one, while Russians maintain or build more than dozen of those
That will change with the global warming. It is estimated that by 2030, the Northern Sea Route will be navigable 9-months a year. This will greatly reduce the time duration for ships traveling from Europe to East Asia and vice versa. IMO, Russia is stepping up its presence in the Arctic, in order to secure the Northern Sea Route.
For example, the distance between Yokohama and Rotterdam is 17,913 km via the Suez canal, and 11,279 km via the Northern Sea Route.
Using this map its very clear that the Northwest Passage is in Canada's zone and passes by Alaska which probally wouldn't be to large an issue in sealanes.
The Northeast passage is in Russia's zone with Alaska / Russia in that narrow exit.
Who controls the pole will determine a lot about the midway sea route though especially where Sea Depth is important for safe passage through the channel.
A bit of humor on that note
http://www.outsideonline.com/1930301/fbis-top-secret-plan-defend-alaska-communistsGive a bunch of guns and gold to hearty, tattooed Alaskans, and turn them loose.
