Public-private researchers launch ‘cold ocean’ data program

ST. JOHN’S, Nfld.—A group of oil sector players and public sector researchers will partner on a project to improve safety practices related to ice hazard mitigation and provide insight on technology requirements specific to cold ocean regions.

ArcticNet, a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada, Statoil Canada, the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and Husky Energy will be partnering on this research and technology development program onboard the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen.

While on expedition offshore of Newfoundland and Labrador the researchers will collect scientific data and execute full-scale field testing of key technologies critical to understanding offshore and harsh weather environments.

The team of 40 Canadian and international scientists and technical staff from ArcticNet, Statoil, and partner organizations as well as local Newfoundland and Labrador researchers, will study meteorological, sea ice, iceberg and environmental conditions and assess new data collection technologies in the study area north east of Newfoundland and Labrador. ArcticNet sea ice expert, Professor David Barber from the University of Manitoba, will be chief scientist on board the Amundsen during the 18-day expedition. As an independent academic-led network, ArcticNet provides a scientifically endorsed mechanism that allows the same reliable data to be accessible to all stakeholders, including industry, regulators, communities, government departments and the public.

This collaboration will promote the flow of best practices between the private sector and academia, allow Statoil to gain further knowledge applicable for their offshore developments and will permit ArcticNet to expand its data collection efforts, training programs and technical expertise.