15 NOVEMBER | OUR SCIENCE
Detection of sea ice is an important aspect for safe navigation by the Royal New Zealand Navy in the Ross Sea and the Southern Ocean, where large waves and sea ice often coincide, creating hazardous conditions. Radar is a commonly used method for detecting this dangerous sea ice.
However, few radar performance trials have been completed for ice detection, and no studies have been published comparing measured sea ice presence and detection rates in waves.
DST completed sea ice detection trials in the Ross Sea comparing HMNZS Aotearoa's Kelvin Hughes Sharpeye and Rutter Ice Navigator. When compared to imagery-based sea ice detections (ship based), the Rutter performed significantly better at detecting and tracking sea ice. The Rutter detected and tracked 99% of all floes before possible collision with the ship, the combined Sharpeye less than 12%.
DST is now working with the Royal New Zealand Navy to reinstall the Rutter Ice Navigator onto HMNZS Aotearoa to improve the crew’s ability to detect sea ice during the upcoming resupply voyage in early 2025.