Concurrent Technical Session 3C-1: Practical Solutions for Ice Navigation – Empowering Operators with Ice Heeling and Intelligent Propulsion Monitoring

As part of its National Shipbuilding Strategy, Canada is investing in a new generation of icebreakers. The renewed fleet will strengthen Canada's position in the Arctic, enable scientific and logistical operations, and ensure the accessibility of northern communities. While new icebreaker technologies such as hybrid propulsion, AI-assisted navigation and hull designs are being developed, significant operational improvements can be achieved through the innovative use of existing onboard systems. For example, the new Polar Class 2 icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard, the CCGS Arpatuuq, is equipped with Hoppe’s roll-damping and ice-heeling system. Heeling systems were originally designed for loading operations. The principle behind ice-heeling systems is to reduce hull friction by inducing controlled vessel rolling, which helps the vessel to break free from ice ridges and to break heavy multi-year ice. This provides operators with a practical and fuel-efficient way of enhancing ice-breaking capability, thereby eliminating the need for excessive increases in engine power. Another example is the shaft power meter. Traditionally used for monitoring engine power, it is now being used in an innovative way for real-time ice-detection. By upgraded, higher sampling rates, the shaft power meter can detect variations in propeller torque and speed that signal ice contact. This early warning allows crews to adjust thrust or course proactively, thereby reducing the risk of damage. Meanwhile, Maritime IoT technologies are transforming operations in the Arctic by ensuring the secure collection, integration and transmission of high-quality performance and environmental data. This real-time connectivity enables faster, data-driven, AI decision-making and optimizes maintenance planning. Our aim is to share our experience of proven technologies and empower operators to enhance the safety and efficiency of Arctic navigation. We will demonstrate that innovation does not always require brand new technologies, and that smarter use of existing systems can often be just as effective.

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Concurrent Technical Session 3C-2: Optimizing Fleet Coatings – Operational Excellence

This session examines strategies for optimizing fleet coating performance through technical oversight and operational best practices. It addresses the full lifecycle of hull coatings — from selection and application to proactive maintenance — while emphasizing benchmarking and performance monitoring to evaluate coating effectiveness.

The session demonstrates how focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and risk management can enhance fleet reliability, reduce fuel consumption, improve CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) ratings, extend asset lifecycle, and deliver measurable ROI. Attendees will gain actionable, data-driven insights to implement coating strategies that align technical execution with fleet-wide operational and environmental objectives.