Effect of Maneuvering on Ice-Induced Loading on Ship Hull: Dedicated Full-Scale Tests in the Baltic Sea

Maneuvers in level ice are common operations for icebreakers and polar supply vessels. Maneuvering exposes the midship and stern area to ice interaction, influencing the magnitude and frequency of ice-induced loading in these areas. However, full-scale measurements do not typically cover the midship and stern areas, as measurements have commonly focused on the bow area. Controlled maneuvering tests were conducted during the ice trials of S.A. Agulhas II in the Baltic Sea. During these tests, ice-induced loading at different hull areas was measured simultaneously with ship control, navigation, and ice condition data. This work studied the effect of maneuvers on the characteristics and statistics of ice-induced loading at different hull areas and compared the impact to ahead operations. The study showed that the maneuvers had minor impact to the magnitude, frequency, and duration of loading at the bow and bow shoulder. On the other hand, maneuvers had a clear effect on the load magnitude and frequency at the stern shoulder. Additionally, a statistical analysis showed that the load magnitude increased as a function of load duration in all hull areas. Furthermore, the analyzed measurement data are presented and made available with the paper.