Station Keeping Trials in Ice: Ice Load Monitoring System

In connection with the Statoil SKT project, DNV GL have developed a method for estimating ice loads on the ship hull structure and mooring tension of the anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel Magne Viking by full scale measurements. In March 2017, the vessel was equipped with an extensive measurement system as a preparation for the dedicated station-keeping trial in drifting ice in the Bay of Bothnia. Data of the ice impacts acting on the hull were collected over the days of testing together with several other parameters from the ship propulsion system. Whilst moored, the tension in the mooring chain was monitored via a load cell and logged simultaneously to the other parameters. This paper presents the processes involved in developing the measurement concept, including the actual installation and execution phases. The basic philosophy behind the system is described, including the methods used to design an effective measurement arrangement, and develop procedures for estimation of ice loads based on strain measurements. The actual installation and the process of obtaining the recorded data sets are also discussed.