Scientists push real-time sea-ice data for polar shipping

OBTAINING current sea ice information through real-time satellite images, radio channels, charts and forecasts must be a critical component of future polar expeditions, scientists say.

Satellite images revealed this year that Antarctica’s sea ice reached its lowest maximum extent and lowest minimum extent since record keeping began in 1979.

As a result, scientists from around the world converged on Hobart last week to discuss improved navigation methods for polar ships.

Antarctic, Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre spokesman Jan Lieser said access to near real-time satellite data needed to be improved for polar ships.

Dr Lieser said better VHF frequencies would provide better mariner-to-mariner communication over radios.

“[Sea ice] data is not always available, so making sure the information is shown up to date is something we have to ensure ... across the world,” he said. The International Ice Charting Working Group said constant shifts in ice conditions made knowledge of the ocean critical for shipping.

“The [group] urges all polar vessel operators to include procedures to obtain up-todate ice information as an integral component of their Polar Waters Operational Manual under the IMO Polar Code,” the group said.

“The [group] and its members regularly engage their users to ensure they are providing the best possible ice information, in the form of satellite images, charts and forecasts.”