Extreme sea ice buildup removal on cargo ship deck

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In this video, a ship’s crew battles thick ice buildup caused by freezing sea spray in polar waters. As waves crash over the vessel, water droplets freeze instantly on metal surfaces due to sub-zero temperatures and wind chill, forming layers of solid ice several centimeters thick. This phenomenon, known as marine ice accretion, can add tons of extra weight to a ship, shifting its center of gravity and increasing the risk of capsizing in rough seas.

Why Ice Removal Matters?
Every additional ton of ice raises the ship's overall mass while lowering stability. According to marine safety research, a buildup of just 30 cm of ice on a medium-sized vessel can weigh over 40 tons—enough to destabilize its balance. If left uncleared, ice accumulation has historically caused fishing boats and cargo ships to overturn in Arctic waters.

The Process of Manual De-Icing:
Crews use steel hammers and crowbars to break apart ice sheets, working strategically from top to bottom to prevent injury from falling chunks. Physical labor is necessary because chemical de-icers are ineffective at sea and heat-based solutions require high energy, which is impractical offshore.

Scientific Insights:

Freezing Point: Saltwater spray freezes rapidly at –2°C but is accelerated by strong winds that enhance evaporative cooling.

Load Stress: Added ice weight increases the ship’s draft, altering buoyancy and creating dangerous listing angles.

Material Stress: Repeated freezing and hammering can weaken metal structures, requiring careful maintenance checks after de-icing.


Global Impact:
Ice accretion remains a serious hazard for ships operating in the North Atlantic, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean. Maritime safety protocols mandate regular manual ice removal to ensure safe navigation in extreme conditions. This simple yet crucial task protects both crew and cargo, proving how human effort and engineering work hand-in-hand against nature’s challenges.

Nature’s power meets human resilience: This is how crews keep ships safe from the frozen grip of the sea.