Author(s): Nataliya Marchenko
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Ice-induced ship casualties; Accident; Case study; Prevention; Interactive mapping / GIS; Maritime safety; Sea ice; Navigation
Abstract: Ship traffic in ice-infested waters is increasing due to expanding activity in polar regions, while severe accidents caused by sea ice continue to occur. Many past incidents, including shipwrecks, hull damage, and expenses due to trapping and icing — could have been avoided with better understanding of ice conditions and more informed decision-making. Building on previous work that introduced a GIS-based online system for visualizing ice-related maritime accidents, this study enhances the platform by incorporating recent incidents and applying a case-study approach that highlights the most instructive events. The updated cloud-based GIS integrates selected cases with detailed descriptions, contextual documentation, and interactive mapping tools. Each case includes links to additional resources, enabling users to examine accident development step-by-step and identify key lessons. New map layers display 60 ice induced cases that occurred since 1946 till now — such as shipwreck (22 cases), damage (11), forced drift (12), trapping (12) and others. Among the reasons are iceberg or ice floe hit, compression, icing. All cases are shortly described and classified, that allow comparison across different scenarios and environments. The platform also illustrates effective emergency response practices that help minimize damage and loss during incidents. By converting past casualties into structured case studies, the system improves situational awareness, knowledge sharing, operational competence, and preparedness for safer navigation and emergency response in rapidly changing polar waters.
Year: 2026