Arctic Operations

The objectives of the IOT Research Plan are to develop and transfer ocean technology solutions of importance to Canada, and to build a nation-wide portfolio of private and public sector clients and partners.

The Institute is uniquely positioned to support Government of Canada initiatives in the Arctic, as well as the business opportunities they entail. Safe and sustainable operations in ice-covered waters have been a focus of IOT research for 25 years, concentrating on the prediction of performance loads for ships and structures that operate in ice. Aided by the world’s longest Ice Tank (90 metres), IOT researchers have built an international reputation for the excellence of their work.

A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker at sea

The long-term objectives of the Arctic Operations research program include numerical simulations for ice operations, modelling and simulation of ice-induced vibration in structures, and greater understanding of ice interactions with propulsion systems. Current projects in Arctic Operations include:

Ice Induced Vibration

The research is aimed at developing a numerical model for ice induced vibration of slender, flexible structures. This would enhance prediction of vibration and become an essential tool for Arctic engineering. The numerical model would also be used to study vibration mitigation strategies of value to the designers, operators and regulators of offshore oil and gas installations.

Pipe-Ice Risk Assessment Management

As interest in Arctic and northern oil and gas development increases, this research is providing data on the interaction of ice with subsea pipelines and other systems. In partnership with C-CORE and the major oil companies, IOT is aiming to reduce human and capital risk while enhancing safety, environmental protection and the economic viability of offshore operations. Large-scale experiments in the Ice Tank are providing a unique understanding of how ice exerts forces on embedded pipelines. Ice strength characteristics and failure mechanisms are being studied in depth, allowing developers and regulators to determine risk levels and design systems to meet those risks.

Numerical Simulation for Ice Operations

This project aims to develop a numerical model for simulation of the performance of ships in ice-covered waters. It will include different types of ships in various ice conditions, accident scenarios, structural analyses and more. The information will be used to update regulations for ships in the Canadian Arctic and help harmonize the Polar Rules from various countries in the northern region. The ultimate goal is to protect lives, property and the environment by accurately predicting the behaviour of vessels in a range of operating conditions.

Icebreaking experiments in the Ice Tank

Bergy Bit Influence on Marine Transporation

The objective is to provide a comprehensive numerical model for the interaction of a ship with a bergy bit, incorporating hydrodynamic effects and associated damage to the vessel. That model will benefit ship designers and vessel operators by providing estimates of damage due to a collison. Data from laboratory and field tests is being used for validation, with collaboration from government departments, industry and Memorial University. The project has also spawned new technology associated with pressure sensing and new testing methods for investigating the mechanical properties of ice.

Bow Shape Optimization

This international collaboration with Korean researchers is aimed at optimizing the bow shape of an ice class vessel operating in various ice conditions. Resistance and manoeuvring performance are being studied at model scale in the IOT Ice Tank as well as at Pusan National University. The project will enhance Canada’s ability to design and build an efficient Arctic class vessel, and the data will also be used in improve the simulation capability of Memorial University’s Centre for Marine Simulation.

Prediction and Detection of Marine Icing

This project is developing tools that will allow the petroleum industry to predict, monitor and mitigate the hazard of marine icing. That hazard is particularly acute on the Grand Banks, where offshore structures and shipping are operating year-round in severe weather conditions. Safer, more efficient offshore operations is the primary goal, and a number of industry and regulatory stakeholders are involved in the project. New technology has been spun out of the research, associated with remote detection of icing on structures. In addition, the Marine Icing Monitoring System has been developed, which enables widespread assessment, either manual or automated, of icing on vessels and offshore structures.

Gathering data on bergy bit impacts

For details on these and other projects, as well as information on collaborating with the NRC Institute for Ocean Technology, contact Noel Murphy, Business Development Officer, at (709) 772-4939 or e-mail noel.murphy@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Related Information

Institutes:

• NRC Institute for Ocean Technology