20 | SOLAS ice management
Ice management – the enabler of Arctic ice operations T
he introduction of the Polar Code gives a fundamental framework for Arctic operations. From an ice management perspective, it does not give all the answers but for every operation in ice it will point towards some critical questions, such as methodical studies of potential ice conditions, dimensioning of tonnage for operations and other critical parts of planning an operation. Ice operations in the high north are not a new development, but there has been an increased focus on the importance of ice management in recent years as Arctic operations in ice-free conditions have moved further north into ice conditions. This represents a paradigm shift in the risk analysis of such operations, making ice management expertise a critical factor. Without the ability to manage ice, there are many scientific as well as commercial operations that cannot take place. An example is the Arctic Coring Expedition in the summer of 2004 that involved drilling for core-samples on the Lomonosov ridge. The result of the expedition has
Åke Rohlén
Decoding the Polar Code | 2017
significantly deepened the understanding of the history of the Arctic basin during the past 55 million years. Several Arctic nations have issued licences for exploration of oil and gas on the continental shelf. In many of the licences it will be impossible to explore for resources without the ability to manage the ice. Oil and gas resources are desired by nations, as they bring energy independence, taxes and economic development. These goals are achievable because ice management makes it possible to operate on the continental shelf. Ice management is performed to protect an operation at a fixed location from drifting ice. The reasons may be rescue of a vessel, dealing with an oil spill, works on the sea floor for scientific needs, or resource exploration or extraction. The creation of predictable operating conditions is key to safety and efficiency, and makes it possible to plan and execute operations. Planning and executing the ice management must be performed so that any conditions can be handled according to a plan. Ice management is an operational service with well-trained and experienced staff, supported by technology and data. Operational experience is key to the successful handling of the ice conditions as well as a pre-requisite for correct analysis in the planning stage of an operation. The Polar Code specifies that a risk analysis should be performed for a particular voyage or operation, before which some considerations must be made. There needs to be an analysis of the potential ice conditions in the operating area. What are the worst conditions that may occur? One should take note of the fact that ‘average’ is not an acceptable operating limit.
Anders Backman
Another consideration is to define the productivity of a given vessel during the potential ice conditions. What ice will it be able to break and what time will it take? This is an area where the industry will have to develop methods on how to be able to distinguish the productivity of one icebreaker from that of another. From experience, there can be a difference in productivity of several hundred per cent between icebreakers of the same strength and power. Ice management will be critical for safe and efficient Arctic operations, and the introduction of the Polar Code will give the opportunity for managing Arctic operations prudently. DPC About the authors: Åke Rohlén is a partner in Arctic Marine Solutions a Swedish company specialising in Arctic ice management operations. Anders Backman is an associate of Arctic Marine Solutions. In 1991 he was the first Master to reach the North Pole with a conventionally powered ice-breaker, Oden.