Global ICE load estimation on icebreaking vessels under normal operating conditions

Abstract

A global ice load prediction formula for the icebreaking vessels under normal operating condition in ice-covered sea is derived. Global ice load for normal operating conditions means the ice load from regular sea trials in moderate ice conditions. In this sense the extreme ice loads during heavy ramming or accidental collision are not major concern, but they are also discussed for comparison. Available global ice load data from full-scale sea trials are collected and analyzed according to various ship-ice interaction parameters including displacement, speed of a ship and flexural strength and thickness of sea ice. The ice load prediction formula is compared with the collected full-scale sea trials data and it agrees within a reasonable range. ？ 2009: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.