Challenge

The RareIce NL project addressed the uncertainty and risks posed by sea ice and icebergs to offshore operations in the Southwestern Barents Sea and off Newfoundland and Labrador. Climate change has increased the complexity of ice transformation, iceberg drift, and interactions with subsea infrastructure, creating significant operational hazards that must be mitigated to enable safe and sustainable development in ice-prone regions.

Strategy

The initiative focused on improving knowledge and risk mitigation strategies across four key areas: sea ice transformation, iceberg detection and tracking using remote sensing, iceberg modelling, and the study of iceberg properties and behaviour. The project brought together academic and industry partners to combine advanced research, technology, and field expertise in order to reduce risks and enhance offshore safety.

Action

Angler Solutions supported the project through various stages of execution. The work included laboratory experiments, numerical modelling, and field studies, as well as:

• Supporting PhD- and Master’s-level research into the use of advanced sensing technologies such as RADARSAT and improved methods for analyzing iceberg–structure interactions
• Enabling cross-Atlantic collaboration with Norwegian institutions, which facilitated joint research, data exchange, and knowledge transfer

Outcome

The RareIce NL project delivered new tools and insights to reduce operational risk in ice-affected regions. Improved detection, tracking, and modelling of sea ice and icebergs now provide a stronger knowledge base for managing ice risks. The research outcomes support safer offshore operations and contribute to future development opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador and other high-latitude regions.