Navigation Peculiarities of Large-Size Ships in Consolidated Pack Ice: Model Studies

Polar navigation has to be performed in different ice conditions because ice deformation dynamics over vast areas of the Arctic is rather complex. The breaking of an ice sheets leads to the formation of various ice features that might become serious navigation obstacles for the large-size ships. These peculiarities of sea ice are important inputs for a navigation safety and an ice environment forecasting. This paper describes consolidated pack ice environments frequently observed in both western and eastern parts of Arctic. Model test results obtained in KSRC Ice Basin were used to investigate the behavior of given large-size ship in these ice conditions. The tests highlighted the effect of consolidated pack ice upon ice performance of ships and made it possible to estimate the probability of ship jamming in ice. The findings of this research will contribute to further progress in icebreaker escorting techniques required to ensure year-round ship traffic along Northern Sea Route lanes, as well as to development of applied tools needed to build up an intelligent fleet planning system for Arctic fleet.