Oslo: A three-year research project initiated by DNV has led to the development of an ice load monitoring system that provides bridge personnel with real-time information about the actual ice loads on the ship’s hull and shows satellite information about the ice integrated into electronic navigation maps.
Shipping activity in ice infested waters is increasing and seasonal variation, combined with the effects of climate change, can open up for new business opportunities. But ship and crew are placed at risk if the actual ice loads experienced on a voyage exceed those the ship was designed to withstand.
DNV is developing technological solutions to ensure that Arctic operations are safe and environmentally sound. The Ice Load Monitoring project is an example of how DNV identifies critical risks and then works to find mitigating solutions. The project culminated in 2008 with the development of a comprehensive decision support tool for transiting ice that has been tested over the last two winter seasons onboard the Norwegian coast guard vessel KV Svalbard.
The system includes fibre optic sensors that measure shear strain on the vessel’s hull and electromagnetic equipment which measures the thickness of the ice at the bow. This information is analysed and displayed on the bridge. Additionally, meteorological and satellite data about the ice is integrated into electronic charts allowing for optimum route selection. The project is the first to monitor the actual ice loads to be presented in real time at the bridge as a part of a decision support system. The system is ready to be installed for both new buildings and ships in operation.
“Based on the success of the Ice Load Monitoring project and a thorough understanding of the risks associated with Arctic operations, our conclusion is that technology will not be a showstopper for conducting safe, well-planned ship operations in Arctic waters,” said Morten Mejlænder-Larsen, program director for Arctic shipping within DNV Maritime.
“Our goal is to maintain high competence levels and updated rules and notations so that DNV is able to provide owners, yards and oil majors with the support they need to safeguard their cold climate activities,” said Mejlænder-Larsen. The experience from the development and operation of the Ice Load Monitoring system will be implemented in a new DNV Notation securing same standard.
The Ice Load Monitoring project was supported by the Norwegian Research Council and other partners were Teekay, StatoilHydro, Light Structures, The Norwegian Meteorological Institute, C-map/Jeppesen and the Norwegian Coastguard.
DNV’s current research priorities include enhancing human performance in cold and dark conditions and predicting the effects of extreme ice on ships, platforms and pipelines.