Canatec supports polar shipping by analysis of ice conditions on routes and the selection of optimum routing through ice. We analyse historical conditions, use satellite imagery of current conditions and apply our forecasting models to support marine operations. This results in ships being able to enter zones of more severe ice, while maintaining safe operations limits, and transit these zones considerably more quickly, generating significant savings in fuel, insurance and operating expenses.
For ships operating in ice, we can supply onboard Ice Advisors who direct the gathering of local ice observations and integrate the ice information from various sources into a coherent advisory package delivered every few hours to the vessel’s Master.
This service is most commonly used by vessels working for offshore petroleum operations, but is equally important for cargo shipping. Our analyses show the NorthWest Passage across the Arctic Ocean is now technically feasible to open. While still economically marginal, with projected decrease in overall severity of arctic ice conditions, this is steadily becoming more attractive.
For Arctic and Antarctic tourism operators, and individual yachts venturing into difficult, high-latitude ice zones, these services are critical to safety and protecting the marine environment.
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