Feature Analysis of Icebreaker Escort Operations in Ice-Covered Arctic Waters

Some Arctic routes have become seasonal navigational routes due to global warming and receding Arctic ice. Affected by the season and ice area environment, sometimes merchant ships must navigate via icebreaker escort to ensure ships’ safe navigation through the ice-covered waters. This study focuses on the processing and analysis of the navigation trajectory of merchant ships escorted by icebreakers in the Arctic waters. A research framework is proposed for feature analysis of icebreaker escort operations in ice-covered Arctic waters based on the combination of satellite automatic identification system (AIS) data, map information technology, and environmental data of the Arctic region. Firstly, the icebreaker’s satellite AIS data clarify the operation waters. Secondly, the satellite AIS data within the operation waters are used to identify the navigation trajectories for the icebreaker and the escorted merchant vessel. Furthermore, the features of the icebreaker escort operations in ice-covered Arctic waters are analyzed by incorporating the AIS data and environmental data. Finally, the satellite AIS data in 2021 will be used as a case study. The proposed method can be used to provide support for decision-making of escort operations in ice-covered waters.