Limitations of Ice Accretion on Offshore Aquaculture Facilities

Abstract

Sea spray icing is a constant risk for fish farms operating in cold climates, such as on the Northern Norwegian coast, and there must therefore exist methods to reduce this risk. This thesis discusses the consequences of ice accretion to the traditional plastic circular fish cage design, and how the cage reacts under the pressure of added mass from sea spray icing. The prediction of sea spray icing events and sea spray icing rates is paramount for predicting the risk of large quantities of ice build-up that can be a danger to the cage and fish escaping. Multiple methods and models exist and are compared throughout this thesis. Feeding barges hold a particularly important role in the everyday operations of fish farming, and should not be neglected when sea spray icing events are at risk of occurring, possibly resulting in a loss of stability. Icing can also create difficulties to routine operations and dangers to workers.