Oil in ice code

The oil in ice code as developed and described in this report is a part of the “Integrated oil spill response actions and environmental effects – GRACE" project. The full project focuses on developing, comparing and evaluating the effectiveness and environmentaleffects of different oil spill response methods in a cold climate. In addition to this, a system for the real-time observation of underwater oil spills and a strategic tool for choosing oil spill response methods is developed. As of now, knowledge and practicefor characterisation of various types of sea ice is primarily relevant for navigators, ship designers, meteorologists, and oceanographers. For oil responders and environmentalists engaged in impact and benefit assessments, it is however,sometimes too complex and is mainly addressing aspects related to possibilities for ship operation and manoeuvrability. This specific work task covers the development of a code that will facilitate communication and provide a rational and conclusive structurefor presentation and dissemination of experimental data, and for identification of response gaps. It may also form a basis for guidance on optimal options and alternative response techniques (ART) for the response to oil spill in ice and for shoreline clean-up operations in winter conditions. Several parameters have an impact on oil in ice and the subsequent handling of a spill. Based on the extent of impact the following five characteristic ice and oil parameters and classes are selected to be included in the oil in ice code: Ice type, Sea ice concentration, Temperature, Ice dynamic and Oil classification. These parameters, and their interrelation, affect the choice of oil recovery method. By using the oil in ice Code a uniform communication and description of the oil spill situation is enabled, upon which an appropriate response strategy could be chosen. If the code is incorporated in national contingency plans, the code can be established as the standard for describing oil in ice, filling a gap where existing ice codes and nomenclatures are not sufficient. Further value is created if the oil in ice code should be applied as a complementary tool in sNEBA (strategic Net Environmental Benefit Analysis) processes and for documentation of sNEBA output and information of available resources for combating. The code may as well be integrated in interactive guidance tool for selection of response technique etc. Other applications where the oil in ice code may be useful include risk assessment methodologies as well as input data for drift and spreading simulations of oil in ice.GRACE- Integrerad oljeskadeskyddhantering och miljöeffekte