The primary goal of this paper is to present the results from a larger study of the icebreaking process of an icebreaking trimaran in level ice. Defining the icebreaking process of the trimaran enables further optimization of hull form and enables more efficient ship operations. Furthermore, the objective of this paper is to explain the small ice resistance of the icebreaking trimaran and to present how the distance between the main and side hull affect the ice resistance and the icebreaking process of the trimaran. The phenomenon was studied using ice model tests which were carried out in Aker Arctic's model basin using the latest icebreaking trimaran model. To achieve the most accurate visual data of the icebreaking process, a high-speed camera was used. According to the visual observations, the icebreaking process at the middle hull of the icebreaking trimaran follows the icebreaking process of a traditional single hull ship. However, the icebreaking process of the side hull deviates significantly from the icebreaking process of a single hull ship. The side hull encounters an ice field with microcracks caused by the middle hull. These microcracks enable the side hulls to break the ice with a small resistance. The model test results show, that the small ice resistance of the icebreaking trimaran is due to a beneficial icebreaking process and the small size of the side hull compared to the middle hull. Optimum width is of course depending on the main dimensions of the various hulls. However, the optimum width for the concept studied in this case is around 50 meters when the ice resistance is determined relative to the width of the broken channel.
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