Challenge

Offshore energy projects in ice-prone regions face the risk of iceberg keels scouring the seabed and striking subsea pipelines, flowlines, and power cables. While the risk is recognized, limited full-scale experimental data existed to quantify the forces and structural responses from such impacts. This knowledge gap created uncertainty for both infrastructure design and regulatory approval, underscoring the need for controlled, real-world testing of ice–infrastructure interactions.

Strategy

The SIIBED initiative centered on the development of the Rapid High Impact Test Apparatus (RHITA). This full-scale testing platform was designed to replicate direct impacts between large ice samples and steel infrastructure, enabling controlled, repeatable experiments to better characterize ice–structure interactions.

Action

Angler Solutions supported the project through all phases of execution, including:

• Framing the project scope and securing external R&D funding
• Designing RHITA to ensure its capability and structural integrity for full-scale impact testing
• Overseeing fabrication of the apparatus to meet safety and reliability standards
• Supporting commissioning, execution of testing campaigns, and post-test analysis
• Engaging with industry, regulators, certifying authorities, and academia to align results with operational and regulatory requirements

Outcome

The project delivered unique full-scale experimental insights into iceberg–infrastructure interactions using RHITA. The findings provided critical data for optimizing subsea pipeline and cable design, strengthening safety standards, and informing regulatory guidance. By bridging research and industry needs, SIIBED advanced the knowledge required to mitigate iceberg risks in offshore energy developments.