The researchers believe that the threat which icebergs pose against offshore Arctic installations can be eliminated with the use of hot water. The method includes the use of helicopters to cover an approaching iceberg with a water-proof coat and the subsequent injection of hot water. The icebergs will melt and disappear, the researchers argue.
Icebergs in the Arctic Ocean can reach gigantic proportions, the biggest with a surface of up to 200 times 450 meters. However, this is no obstacle for the method, one of the developers maintain.
The researchers have already secured the license rights for the method, Oilru.com reports with reference to the Spark database of corporate information.
Read also: Tugboats might keep icebergs away from Russian Arctic oil platforms
Drifting icebergs are seen as a serious challenge to offshore installations in the region. Gazprom is facing the challenge in both the Shtokman and the Prirazlomnoye projects. As reported by BarentsObserver, the latter will be put in production early 2012.
Read also: Ice conditions at Shtokman trouble researchers
