Breaking the Ice Barrier
Authors: Clink J.W. , Einarsson T.D. 
Published: October 2008

Recent seismic data collection in previously unnavigated waters of the Canadian High Arctic (as far north as Kane Basin and west to the western entrance of M'Clure Strait) demonstrates the feasibility of marine seismic surveys to explore the Arctic's potential energy resources. Vessels of the icebreaker/sealer class were able to penetrate multi-year ice without government ice-breaker assistance. Although operational problems such as communications, scouting, and gear protection require further research and development, the ships and systems utilized can accomplish marine seismic coverage at a lower cost than alternative on-ice seismic data collection in this harsh Arctic environment.

INTRODUCTION

Recent marine seismic prospecting to 80 degrees North and 120 degrees West in the North American Arctic demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing ice-strengthened vessels which can operate independent of government ice-breaker assistance. Initial efforts to penetrate the North American Arctic in the late 1960's brought marine seismic prospecting to the waters of the Beaufort Sea and Davis Strait. Subsequent surveys, utilizing ice-strengthened vessels, extended the capability as far as north Baffin Bay and into Parry Channel as far as Resolute Bay. By 1974, an icebreaker/sealer class vessel penetrated previously unnavigated waters to acquire seismic data from as far north as the Kane Basin and as far west as the western end of M'Clure Strait. Although problems were encountered with communications, scouting, and gear protection, the feasibility of collecting marine seismic data independent of' government protection was amply demonstrated.

The North American Arctic was first tackled by vessels from Alaska and Eastern Canada, gingerly extending operational areas of marine seismic prospecting into seasonally ice-free waters of the Beaufort Sea and Davis Strait. The first commercial seismic data collected in the Arctic Islands by Pallister and Associates utilized minimal systems installed on Canadian government icebreakers. Pa1lister followed this early effort with better systems which were installed on ice-strengthened sealing vessels;, he reported a successful season in 1971, which was a remarkably good ice-year.

Geophysical Service Inc. (GSI) sent its I Ice Class M/V HANS EGEDE to north Baffin Bay and into Parry Channel as far as' Resolute Bay in 1972. To make marine exploration in the Arctic I Islands more viable, GSI chartered its Icebreaker. Sealer Class M/V CARINO in 1973, and used it to collect seismic data in much of the eastern Sverdrup Basin. She was joined in 1974 by the larger Icebreaker/Sealer Class M/V ARCTIC EXPLORER. A film recorded aboard the M/V ARCTIC EXPLORER picturizes history in the making-penetration of previously unnavigated waters for the purpose of acquiring seismic data.

Problems associated with the 1973 season in this harsh environment included communications, scouting, and protection of gear (trailing and hull-mounted). Efforts were made during the 1974 season to improve operational reliability of systems components; some were successful while others require new approaches to adapt them to the hostile Arctic.

Scouting was much improved by use of helicopters operating off both vessels. These helicopters carried videotape cameras, and playback onboard ship helped to guide these vessels through icy channels.