Sea ice impact on naval operations

Abstract

Abstract This paper highlights the icing regime and its impact on the primary naval operations conducted in the Black Sea basin. The article analyzes seawater’s phenomenon freezing through the perspective of merchant shipping operations and underlines the impact on undersea or surface warfare. The article figures out the impact on the ship hull, weapons systems, personnel, as well as the tactics aspects of operations or de-icing strategies when ice accrues on ship hull and equipment. The article points out associated meteorological phenomena and brings in attention the importance of meteorological and oceanographic observations in situ or by satellites as a condition for the success of the operation. In the end, the article concludes regarding shortfalls faced during icing periods and give some directions meant to curb the adversary effects of unfavorable icing environment.