Validation of Pack Ice Resistance in Oblique Condition by the Comparison With Ice Model Test Results

Countries around the world are increasingly interested in resource development in the Arctic due to global warming. Recently, Arctic coastal states (Russia, USA, Canada, etc.) are pursuing infrastructure construction projects for resource development in the Arctic region. Because the offshore structures in the Arctic are exposed to the sea ice, in order to ensure the safety of the structures, the calculation of the ice resistance is of paramount importance for offshore structures. In general, studies on the ice resistance have been carried out for the breaking and clearing performance of icebreakers. However, in the case of fpu (floating production unit) for resource development in the Arctic region, it is necessary to estimate the ice resistance in the oblique condition to ensure safety. Thus, despite estimation of the ice resistance in the oblique condition is significant, there has not been enough research until recently. In this paper, we suggest algorithms for estimating the ice resistance in the oblique condition. For the estimation process, an in-house code software program is used and an ice resistance estimation module is implemented for the oblique condition using empirical formula. This paper shows results of the ice resistance which was calculated in the oblique condition, and the change of the ice resistance is shown according to various oblique angles in pack ice. In addition, the results are compared to the model test result of a fpu in pack ice of 80% concentration.