Ice load monitoring for Canada’s MPVs
Aker Arctic has been chosen to supply a state-of-the-art ice load monitoring system for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) programme. Aker Arctic designed the hull form and contributed to the development of the vessel concept.
The contract includes the delivery of Aker Arctic’s ARC ILMS ice load monitoring measurement and analysis system for the initial six MPVs, which are a key part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). These vessels will be constructed at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards in Canada.
“The ARC ILMS is our platform for measuring loads that the ship’s structure experiences when operating in ice-covered waters,” says Rob Hindley, head of consulting and technology development at Aker Arctic.
“It utilises strain gauge sensors, specifically fibre optic gauges, to measure the hull’s response when impacted by ice. Using our analysis algorithms, developed from decades of similar measurements on icebreakers, the system provides feedback to the operator on the safety level of the ship,” he adds.
Fleet renewal programme
The MPVs form part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet renewal programme and will mainly replace the Type 1100 class built in the late 1970s and 1980s, often called the “work horses” of the fleet, doing the day-to-day work of supporting shipping, maintaining fairways, aids to navigation, and icebreaking.
In addition, they will perform cargo missions, bringing supplies to northern communities, carry out search & rescue, and patrol missions. Most of their time will be spent on the St Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and along the Canadian East Coast, while also having a summer Arctic mission leaving from Victoria in British Columbia, travelling north around Alaska to the Canadian Arctic.
Collaboration to develop vessel concept
Aker Arctic completed the hull form and contributed to the concept development for the MPVs, using a collaborative model involving the operator and the shipyard, working jointly on creating the concept from day one. Following the conclusion of the concept development, Aker Arctic has continued to provide expert technical support to the project, especially advising on ship performance related aspects.
“We are thrilled that our Ice Load Monitoring System has been selected for implementation on the MPVs and look forward to working with Seaspan and the Canadian Coast Guard also on this project,” Hindley says.
Text: Catarina Stewen
