The Northwest Passage hugs the Canadian-American coasts until it reaches the Behring Strait, between U. S. and Russia. To the east, the passage is between Greenland (Denmark claims) and Norway.

The Northern Sea Route, sometimes confused with the Northwest Passage, extends from northern Europe, enters between greenland and Norway, and hugs the Russian Arctic coast until it reaches the Bering Strait. The Russians call it the Northeast Passage.

International conventions enter in here; Canada wants the NW passage considered as in their waters, but the U. S. says it is international.

Nuclear plants on submarines would require air brought in and would not have the living space for the crews and workshops, docking facilities, etc. envisioned for the floating stations. The floating stations in most cases will be fixed to coastal positions.