Course code: MFA-8030

Maritime Technologies in Polar Waters

Campus Tromsø
Semester / Year Autumn 2025
Level Doctor's degree
Credits 10

About the course

The course is a technical joint course with Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. The course will be given as an intensive course with participants from both universities.

The course may be taken as a singular course.

The course shall contain the main parts: Winterization in cold areas, de-icing technology, marine icing theory, advanced navigation systems.

Winterization in cold areas and de-icing technology

  • Safety regulations.
  • Automation and technology.
  • Anti-icing and de-icing.

Marine icing theory

  • Threats connected to icing on ships, in particular sea-spray icing.
  • Different ship-icing prediction models and methodologies, their limitations and feasibility for safety planning.
  • Key environmental parameters connected to icing.
  • Uncertainties related to weather parameters applied into the icing models.
  • Information about large scale weather patterns as e.g. polar lows.

Advanced navigation systems

  • Remote monitoring/control system and its related technology.
  • Control technology for ship.
  • Data analysis and optimization.
  • Ship weather routing.

Admission requirements

The course requires a master's degree in Nautical Science, Maritime/Marine Technology, or equivalent qualifications. Application code 9301.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The student ...

  • has advanced knowledge on de-icing systems on ships operating in Polar waters and the threats connected to icing on ships, in particular sea-spray icing
  • can evaluate technical limitations in de-icing systems with respect to available power and load,
  • can evaluate limitations in de-icing systems with respect to meteorological and icing conditions,
  • can contribute to ship-icing prediction models and methodologies, their limitations and feasibility for safety planning,
  • has advanced knowledge of the key environmental parameters connected to icing and how to obtain information about these parameters,
  • can evaluate and asses the uncertainties related to weather parameters applied into the icing models,
  • has advanced knowledge of how information about large scale weather patterns obtained by predictions from ensemble prediction systems can be applied for planning,
  • is in the forefront of knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies used in the maritime segment of operations in Polar waters,
  • has a thorough knowledge of the key environmental factors affecting the performance of maritime operations in the Polar regions,
  • can evaluate the application of data analysis and optimization related to ship operation,
  • has advanced knowledge of control engineering related to ship operation.

Skills

The student ...

  • can handle and ensure the safety on board by assessing the technical limitations in de-icing systems
  • can handle limitations in icing models and weather parameters applied into the models,
  • can formulate plans to ensure the safety of navigation based on weather information related to icing,
  • can analyse and deal critically with basic heat flux calculations applied in icing models,
  • has state-of-the-art knowledge of the limitations in control engineering for ship operation,
  • can formulate suitable courses etc. for ship operations (weather routing).

Competence

The student ...

  • can manage complex situations based on knowledge about the capabilities of the de-icing systems to ensure the safety on board
  • can handle complex situations which involves how accumulated ice limits the operation of a vessel
  • can manage and plan safe trips in areas where icing is a possible risk factor by utilizing necessary weather information
  • can make manage complex navigational situations based on knowledge about the capabilities of control engineering,
  • can participate in scientific discussions in international forums related to maritime technologies in Polar waters

Credit reduction

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

  • TEK-3030 Maritim Technologies in Polar Waters 7 ects

Teaching methods

Lectures are concentrated in two weeks and include group-work, self-studies, and colloquium.

Language of instruction and examination

English

Examination

Exams
Oral exam Weighting: 1/2 Grade:
A–E, fail F
Off campus exam Hand in: 12.12.2025 14:00 Weighting: 1/2 Grade:
A–E, fail F

Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

Compulsory exercise

Re-sit examination

A re-sit exam will not be held.

Previous years and semesters

Contact us

Responsible unit: Department of Technology and Safety