Field trials of a lifeboat in ice and open water conditions

• Main Authors: Simões Ré, A., Veitch, B., Kuczora, A., Barker, A., Sudom, D., Gifford, P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lulea University of Technology 2011
• Subjects: Arctic; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=a885e172-181d-435c-8c2a-50b9aae6674d; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/fra/voir/objet/?id=a885e172-181d-435c-8c2a-50b9aae6674d

Evacuation from offshore petroleum installations and marine vessels in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions must function in environmental conditions that include cold temperatures, remote locations, and a range of open water and sea ice cover. Field trials with a conventional lifeboat were carried out over the last four years to investigate the extent to which ice limits operational capabilities. The lifeboat was outfitted as a research platform. Measurements were made of ice loads in different types of ice conditions and in different types of operations. Changes in propulsion performance were investigated in light of major modifications to the propulsion system. Propulsion was also evaluated in open water to provide performance benchmarks. The field trials are described and some results are presented. Peer reviewed: Yes NRC publication: Yes