A simplified method to predict full-scale ship performance in pack ice fields

Abstract

The navigation performance of ships in ice-covered waters is a vital aspect that ship designers must consider. Therefore, employing quantitative methods is essential to better understand the ship's performance and enhance the accuracy of full-scale resistance predictions in icy conditions. This research investigates the full-scale characteristics of a vessel operating in icy conditions. A simplified prediction method for full-scale ship performance in pack ice fields is proposed based on the direct power method. This research used full-scale performance information collected during the 2019 Antarctica voyage around the Ross Sea aboard the IBRV Araon. A reliable data processing procedure is employed to avoid biased data arising from intended actions during ship navigation. In addition, the full-scale ship performance characteristics, both in pack ice and in open water, are identified and thoroughly analysed in terms of speed-resistance and speed-power relations. Finally, the prediction accuracy of the proposed method is compared with that obtained using the empirical formula.