Iceberg Transport

I have been reading the news reports about this massive iceberg that recently broke-off from the Antarctic ice-cap. The number of ideas of how to manage its movement and to what uses it might be put have been fascinating and at times entertaining. I particularly like the idea of an unnamed Sheik who wants to purchase it and bring it to his particular corner of the desert to create a large covered freshwater lake. Who owns it? If we could somehow transport it - intact to anyone of the regions we are focusing on in this symposium, we would solve the volume issue but undoubtedly create a multitude of other problems. It is a fascinating event however, and one that planners, perhaps half in-jest/half serious, have held up as a simplistic solution to localized freshwater dilemmas. We do not believe that jurisdictional constraints nor political differences should hinder regional cooperation aimed at better managing these areas, whether it comprise a national or regional water-commons.-- Richard A. Meganck, Ph.D., Director, International Environmental Technology Centre, UNEP

 

For decades, various people have proposed transporting icebergs from Greenland or Antactica to areas in need of water. Some have done it jokingly and others have given it very serious thought, including going through the lengthy and often expensive process of obtaining patents for their ideas. Conferences have been held on the matter, yet there have been no successes in making it happen. What is the reason for lack of progress? It is likely due to several constraints. The technical risks are great, but probably surmountable. After all, patents have been issued for approaches and these are not generally awarded lightly - feasibility generally must be demonstrated. The economic risks are considerable and beyond the capabilities of most entrepreneurs. It is a project that would require hundreds of millions, if not billions, of US dollars to establish even a full demonstration. Such funds are usually not available without an organized group of funding agencies from a coalition of countries. Thirdly, there is the issue of governance. Are icebergs available to everyone? Or no one? Where does one find the Permit Office? The Antarctic Treaty System has discussed iceberg and ice harvesting, but no regulations are in place. The primary concern appears to be on ecological impacts that might occur, particularly if undertaken on land or an ice shelf. These are the predominate obstacles. Others may arise as a project progresses.

Technical problems involve isulation to slow melting, attaching propulsion power, stability as melting occurs, selection of best candidates (low fractures, tabular shape, etc.), wave protection, minimizing interference with shipping, a voyage of many months, arrival infrastructure, storage, melting, and distribution of the freshwater.