Icebergs are a huge problem in the Arctic. In short, they can be in the way! Vessels are scared of these sometimes huge and unpredictable blocks of ice.
Add that only 1/10th of the icebergs are visible above water, they can be a huge hazard in Arctic Sailing.
Oil giant Gazprom has now developed a way to use boiled water to melt the icebergs. They would melt anyway but to speed up the process might help, especially ships that are not strengthened for sailing in ice.
The method includes the use of helicopters to cover an approaching iceberg with a water-proof coat and the subsequent injection of hot water.
Gazprom knows the problem well so there is no wonder the company researched ways to help their vessels in ice layed waters.