<P> For centuries , European explorers sought a navigable passage as a possible trade route to Asia . An ice - bound northern route was discovered in 1850 by the Irish explorer Robert McClure ; it was through a more southerly opening in an area explored by the Scotsman John Rae in 1854 that Norwegian Roald Amundsen made the first complete passage in 1903 -- 1906 . Until 2009 , the Arctic pack ice prevented regular marine shipping throughout most of the year . Arctic sea ice decline has rendered the waterways more navigable for ice navigation . </P>
<P> For centuries , European explorers sought a navigable passage as a possible trade route to Asia . An ice - bound northern route was discovered in 1850 by the Irish explorer Robert McClure ; it was through a more southerly opening in an area explored by the Scotsman John Rae in 1854 that Norwegian Roald Amundsen made the first complete passage in 1903 -- 1906 . Until 2009 , the Arctic pack ice prevented regular marine shipping throughout most of the year . Arctic sea ice decline has rendered the waterways more navigable for ice navigation . </P>
why did european explorers seek a northwest passage
why did european explorers seek a northwest passage
as a possible trade route to Asia
as a possible trade route to Asia