Development of Iceberg Profiling Technology

Iceberg management on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Canada is currently carried out without knowledge of the underwater shape of the iceberg. An iceberg profiling system is being developed to integrate the rapid generation of 3D iceberg shape data with a collection of tools that utilize the data to provide recommendations, intended to improve iceberg management effectiveness. The intent is for the system to be operated by vessel crew with minimal training. The system utilizes a LiDAR and a pole mounted multibeam sonar to profile the iceberg sail and keel, respectively. A vessel equipped with the profiling system circles an iceberg twice to collect a profile, a process that on average requires approximately 15–30 minutes. The data is collected in the form of a point cloud, which must be de-noised and corrected for both drift and rotation of the iceberg. Tools have been developed to assess the stability of the iceberg, and to consider the shape of the iceberg relative to towing net dimensions, to provide guidance to the operator regarding the recommended towing direction to avoid iceberg rolling or net slippage events. Other applications of the profile data include an impact loads analysis tool that determines the distribution of potential iceberg loads in the event of a collision with a given platform, and an operational iceberg drift model that uses the iceberg shape to improve iceberg drift forecasts. Large-scale field programs were carried out in both 2018 and 2019 as part of the development process for the system. Data collected has shown that iceberg characteristics have changed significantly when compared to iceberg profile data collected in the 1980s. For a given iceberg waterline length, the more recent data shows significantly reduced drafts. The 1980s iceberg dataset currently dominates the data used as the basis for assessing iceberg loads on surface facilities and iceberg risk to subsea assets. Reduced iceberg drafts will result in reduced risk to subsea facilities and pipelines. These results and observations demonstrate the usefulness of the iceberg profiling system as an environmental monitoring tool, and the data collected has design and operational applications. The development and capabilities of the system are presented, as well as the comparison of the 1980’s and newer iceberg datasets and implications for iceberg risk to facilities on the Grand Banks and surrounding regions.