Climate-smart Ice reconnaissance with Drones

Important results from the project

In the project "Climate-friendly Ice reconnaissance with Drones - KID", the Swedish Maritime Administration, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and Lund University School of Aviation, LUSA have together investigated and tested how UAS can be used to assess ice conditions, thereby avoiding trips with icebreakers, which can significantly reduce emissions of climate gases and contribute to the transition towards a climate neutral society. The use of UAS also provides the crew with a valuable tool for information gathering and decision making.

Expected long term effects

The project KID has concluded that it is possible to fly UAS from icebreakers to control the ice condition and requirements on sensors, UAS and necessary training and permits have been evaluated. Tests have been carried out in the Gulf of Bothnia and the Arctic. In a scenario with 9 trips in the Gulf of Bothnia, it is estimated that emissions can be reduced by 290 to 460 tons of carbon dioxide per season and icebreaker. For 20 trips, the reduction is between 580 and 970 tonnes. In the Arctic the main conclusion is the potential of using UAS in future data collection during research expeditions.

Approach and implementation

The KID project has carried out practical tests, trained UAS pilots and made an analysis of practical, technical and legal obstacles as well as possible ways forward. Five persons from the icebreaker Atle and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat have been trained as UAS pilots at Lund University School of Aviation. The Specific Category training included flying beyond visual line of sight and in darkness. After the tests, scenarios for future usage were set up which were used in the environmental analysis of possible reduced emissions in future operational use of UAS on board.