Abstract: An apparatus manages a dock, a portion of which is disposed over a body of water, from a remote device. A control unit is disposed on the dock. A plurality of sensors is each in data communication with the control unit. Each of the plurality of sensors includes: an electric shock sensor; a water level sensor that senses a distance to the water from a predetermined location of the dock; and a theft detection circuit. A communication chipset is in data communication with the control unit. The control unit includes a processor that is programmed to transmit to the remote device via the communication chipset an indication of the following: a shock likelihood sensed by the electric shock sensor; a level detected by the water level sensor; and an alert when the theft detection circuit detects a likelihood of theft.

Abstract: An apparatus manages a dock, a portion of which is disposed over a body of water, from a remote device. A control unit is disposed on the dock. A plurality of sensors is each in data communication with the control unit. Each of the plurality of sensors includes: an electric shock sensor; a water level sensor that senses a distance to the water from a predetermined location of the dock; and a theft detection circuit. A communication chipset is in data communication with the control unit. The control unit includes a processor that is programmed to transmit to the remote device via the communication chipset an indication of the following: a shock likelihood sensed by the electric shock sensor; a level detected by the water level sensor; and an alert when the theft detection circuit detects a likelihood of theft.

Abstract: An ice ramp system for a dock including a catch plate adapted for horizontal mounting on a dock side surface of a dock; a plurality of ice ramps; a plurality of brackets, each bracket including a triangular cross-section with a bisecting element; an angled ice ramp support face for angularly supporting an ice ramp; a notch at a lower end of the support face for receiving an edge of an ice ramp; a hook that extends from an upper end of the support face that is mountable to a dock top surface; and a backplate having a downwardly extending tongue that mates with the catch plate.

Abstract: A water aeration system (10) encases an air pump (60) and a solar power controller (62) in an encasement structure (34) with one or more air permeable sidewalls (42; 44). The encasement structure is mounted at or near a top end of a mounting pole (32). A solar panel (50) is mounted directly or indirectly to the encasement or to the mounting pole at or near the top end of the mounting pole, optionally with screens (80, 82, 84, 86) connected to the backside of the solar panel. An air conduit (20) is threaded through a hollow channel in the mounting pole or structure associated therewith, and then underground and/or under water for joining to an immersed diffuser (12).

Abstract: A coolant supply device and supply method that can appropriately control the spraying of coolant using a single parameter. A pump (101) supplies coolant to a tool (D), and a measurement device (22) measures the discharge pressure of the pump (101). A control device (50) has a function for determining, from the rotation rate of the pump (101), the coolant flow path diameter for the tool (D) and the target value for the pump discharge pressure (target pressure) when the tool (D) is drilling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for barring the advance of an oil spill or for corralling such an oil spill. The systems provide area bubble plumes of air that remain coherent to reaching the surface, in contrast to previous bubble curtains under waves. The area bubble plume may be formed by parallel sparger elements that provide a wide plume of bubbles, and are suspended below the surface no more than 10 m. The sparger elements may be mounted in a matrix of structural support members. A series of discrete segments of the system can be connected together to form a flexible chain. The connected segments are desirably coiled around a spool on the rear end of a vessel for easy deployment. The sparger elements are tubular and made of the porous, resistive material that requires a greater luminal pressure than the exterior pressure to create fine bubbles.

Abstract: Protective structures for offshore installations and methods for using same are provided. The protective structure can include a body adapted to be disposed at least partially about a primary structure of an offshore installation, and a support system can be disposed on the body. One or more protrusions can be disposed about an outer surface of the body. The protrusions can have a first end adapted to break ice. The support system can be adapted to isolate the one or more bodies from the primary structure such that the one or more bodies can absorb at least a portion of ice generated vibrations.

Abstract: A system and method for clearing an approaching floating ice mass comprising locating a hydrocarbon development platform in a marine environment, and determining a direction from which the ice mass is approaching the hydrocarbon development platform. The method also includes providing an intervention vessel having a water-agitating mechanism associated therewith for propagating artificially generated waves towards a leading edge of the approaching ice mass to fracture the ice mass along the leading edge, thereby causing small ice pieces to separate from the ice mass.

Abstract: Iceberg Reclamation industry invention provides an economical method of adapting offshore marine structures for arctic waters into fresh water production plants. The key condition of the invention is that icebergs are not towed or transported, instead the processing plant systematically breaks down icebergs and processes the ice pieces, melts the ice, and enables the transport of fresh water to arid climates and other areas in need of water reserves augmentation. The invention also claims that by decreasing the ice melt into oceans from icebergs this method acts as a sea level rise countermeasure. The method can also be used to clean oceans of floating debris and process the waste economically.

Abstract: A method for containing and cleaning up oil or other contaminants from an area of water containing mixture of ice and water is disclosed. A net having at least one folded extension is deployed into an area of water and ice to encircle at least a portion of the contaminant spill. The ends of the net are attached to each other in contaminant resistant way to contain the contaminant in the net. The folded extension is deployed to an unfolded configuration. The net is the then pursed up using the extension to control the contaminant in the net. The contaminant is pumped out of the net as needed to allow the net to continue to be pursed up to a smaller and smaller area.

Abstract: A system for reducing the interaction between ice formed on a body of water and a structure located within the body of water includes at least one of a geothermal fluid transfer device or an ice breaking system. The geothermal fluid transfer device includes a water inlet, a water outlet and a heat exchanging portion fluidically disposed therebetween. An ice breaking system includes an ice breaking device and a power source. A method is also included.

Abstract: A body of water is aerated by propelling in the body of water a water pumping arrangement including a sheath having a turning propeller that (a) sucks water from the body into the sheath interior via openings in the sheath, (b) forces the sucked water upwardly and (c) forces the upwardly forced water through another opening in the sheath below the surface of the body of the water. Water forced through the another opening (i) has speed greater than the speed of the water sucked into the sheath and (ii) causes air bubbles to be induced in the water above the another opening.

Abstract: A body of water is aerated by propelling in the body of water a water pumping arrangement including a sheath having a turning propeller that (a) sucks water from the body into the sheath interior via openings in the sheath, (b) forces the sucked water upwardly and (c) forces the upwardly forced water through another opening in the sheath below the surface of the body of the water. Water forced through the another opening (i) has speed greater than the speed of the water sucked into the sheath and (ii) causes air bubbles to be induced in the water above the another opening.

Abstract: A complex of facilities for iceberg insulation for further production of fresh water includes a technological ship with a set of equipment for towing and maneuvering the doubled roll made of a special cloth having a considerable length. The cloth is manufactured of two layers of waterproof material. The layers are attached to one another along the lines forming a net out of cells of air cushions joined by air ducts connected into a single unit through which pipes for saline water removal are also laid. The method of iceberg insulation includes submerging of the doubled roll of the cloth mentioned above under the iceberg, embracing its underwater part, pumping in the air into the air cushions rows in the cloth according to the given program, cloth unrolling and complete enveloping the underwater part of the iceberg, and then enveloping all the iceberg, tightening the belts of the gigantic capacity formed and giving an elongated shape to it.

Abstract: Improvements to a process for moving icebergs from Antartica to arid destinations wherein the iceberg is thermally insulated on bottom and sides with kelp grown into mats, pushed with a subtug below sea level to direct its force vector throught the iceberg's center of gravity, stopped at a destination site by pawls extending from bedrock at the bottom of a channel which has multiple rolldams made of rollable round discs which can open the channel to allow passage of the iceberg and close the channel to contain melt water.

Abstract: An ice composite body (10) has an inner ice core (11) and a protective outer armour shell (12). The outer armour shell (12) consists of a base section (13), side sections (14) and a separate top section (15), which is free to move vertically between the side sections (14). The inner ice core (11) is maintained in a frozen condition in use by refrigeration pipes (21), which are located at various levels therethrough. The inner ice core (11) is built up from thin layers of ice which are frozen one after the other. Following the freezing of each layer of ice the layer is rolled using a roller apparatus which provides a roller pressure in the range of 3.5 to 8 Newtons/mm2. The ice composite body (10) can be used in warm or cool waters for applications such as bridges, breakwaters, causeways, pontoons, artificial islands, dams, tidal barrages, wave power barrages, harbour walls, wind power farms or aircraft runways.

Abstract: A vehicular test course surface is provided which permits tests to be conducted in a snow-covered road condition no matter in which season the tests may be conducted. Snow is made to fall or accumulate like artificial snow onto a road surface.

Abstract: A flexible, waterproof bag is used to contain a iceberg. The bag has an opening that can be closed and an edge around the opening. At least one float is attached to the edge of the bag and a drain is located away from the edge. One end of a conduit is attached to the drain and the other end of the conduit is attached to a buoy. A portion of the edge is sunk with a weight and is pulled under the iceberg. The sunken portion is re-floated by releasing the weight, which results in the edge surrounding the iceberg. The opening of the bag is closed over the iceberg.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inducing directed water movements for treatment of large water bodies subject to surface freezing, stagnation, bottom oxygen deficiency, or other non-uniform conditions. The apparatus consists of an open axial-flow impeller, driven by a motor, supported from below by a streamlined structure, totally submerged in a water body to avoid proximity to the surface, and resting on the bottom of the water body. The rotation of the impeller produces a water movement directed as aimed. A method is disclosed whereby dissolved oxygen is renewed in ice-bound water bodies by raising warm bottom water to melt surface ice, thereby creating an area of open water exposed to direct atmospheric oxygen diffusion and photosynthesis, and simultaneously circulating oxygen enriched water to remote parts of the water body.

Abstract: A programmable, variable volume and pressure, coolant system regulating the amount of coolant flow to a cutting tool by controlling the speed of a coolant pump, and is comprised of a fluid control unit and an electrical control panel. The fluid control unit includes a pump and a AC pump motor operatively connected thereto. The electrical control panel includes: a power supply; circuit breakers; a computer; a variable frequency drive; control relays; and a junction block for making electrical connections to the control panel. The computer receives signals from the tool and a pressure transducer, and is programmed with information concerning the total flow area of the coolant orifices. Using this information, the computer determines an ideal pump speed, and sends a control signal to the variable frequency drive which in turn determines the pump motor speed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to sloped-faced, ice control elements that are each spaced apart across a riverbed adjacent to a floodplain region. The elements arrest a breakup ice run. The size and spacing of the ice-resisting elements can vary with river size and average ice piece size diameter. The ice-resisting elements, for example, can comprise three or four quarried granite blocks buried in the riverbed in a relatively narrow river of 100 feet or less. This arrangement allows gaps between each ice-resisting element for easy canoe and fish passage. These gaps prevent the ice pieces of the ice jam from passing through during breakup ice runs. The ice-resisting elements may be formed from various materials such as quarried rock, poured concrete, rock-filled cribs, etc. After the ice-resisting elements have retained and stabilized the ice jam, water levels recede and warming water temperatures melt the ice in place behind the ice-resisting elements.

Abstract: The method and equipment for keeping locks free of ice utilizes the natural energy resources of the waterway itself. Gravity is utilized to conduct warm water from the depths of the upper waterway via a pipe (1) into the lock where it is distributed by a network of pipes punctuated with holes (3) along the lock floor and around the lock gates. Cooled water is discharged through outlets (6) located in the lower lock gates or lock wall just below the level of the upper waterway. Warm water can effectively be brought to the surface by the use of compressed air conducted to the lock floor either through a special network of pipes or through the existing system (3). The piping may be laid on or under the lock floor. Heatloss can be reduced by insulating the sides of the lock and by fitting the lock with a cover the underside of which is coated with a heat-reflecting material.

Abstract: The system utilizes one or more buoyant members which are attached to a mooring line or lines anchored to the sea bed. The mooring line has a length limited to provide travel constraints on the travel path of the buoyant member, whereby upon collision of floating object with the buoyant member or mooring line, the resulting lateral displacement will effect downward travel of the buoyant member and absorb kinetic energy of a floating object approaching the offshore area to be protected. In one embodiment a number of buoyant members are connected to one another to partially or completely encircle the area to be protected. In another embodiment the buoyant members are arranged alongside a navigable route to prevent vessels from running aground or onto shoals.

Abstract: A method and controls for cyclical operation of ice reducers in open bodies of water. An ambient condition transducer provides an ambient signal representing the amplitude of a condition affecting ice formation. A timer cyclically produces a ramp signal, thereby setting the frequency of cycles for operation of a water movement device. In each cycle a comparator compares the relative amplitudes represented by the ambient and ramp signals and gates power to said device upon a change in the sign of the difference between said amplitudes. Thus the duration of gated power in each cycle is a function of the ambient condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an ice structure in deep (e.g. 50 feet) waters having a moving sheet of ice on the surface. A rubble generator is positioned in the path of the ice sheet and a portion of the marine bottom is artificially raised adjacent to and on the upstream side of the generator by submerging at least one berm onto the marine bottom. The height of the berm is such that it artificially raise the marine bottom to a depth which is less than the original keel depth of a pile of ice rubble formed when the moving ice sheet interacts with the generator thereby the rubble pile will be spontaneously grounded and immobilized on the berm. Once the rubble pile is grounded, additional ice (e.g. spray-ice) is accumulated thereon to complete the ice structure.

Abstract: A thermostat control for use in conjunction with a boat dock de-icer, wherein the thermostat control includes an electrical outlet, a plug for connecting the control to a source of electrical energy, a set point controller for controlling the operation of the thermostat, and a temperature sensor for sensing a fluid. A conventional boat dock de-icer is plugged into the thermostat control and the thermostat control is connected to a source of electrical energy. The temperature sensor is placed in water in the vicinity of a boat dock, and the set point is set to any desired temperature, but preferably to a temperature about freezing. When the control temperature of the water is reached, the thermostat control permits operation of the boat dock de-icer, so that the de-icer operates only when needed, instead of continuously.

Abstract: A suction head and strainer assembly comprises a strainer portion of elongated hollow generally cylindrical configuration with a plurality of strainer holes at a closed end thereof. The strainer holes provide for an aggregate open area of approximately three times the cross sectional area of a fire hose attached to the assembly with openings being approximately one half inch in diameter and arranged in staggered rows of seventeen openings each. A discharge end portion of the assembly is connected to and communicates with the strainer portion and in turn connects with a fire hose at a suction end of the latter. A stop means is adjustable along the length of the strainer portion for selective positioning of the strainer holes beneath the surface of ice of varying thickness.

Abstract: A dock support having a piling composed of an upstanding rod the lower end of which is adapted to be embedded in the bottom of a body of water and an external telescoping sleeve having a cap at its upper end which normally confronts and seats on the upper end of the rod. A passage exists between the confronting surfaces of the inner and outer telescoping members and such passage is occupied by air, rather than water. The air prevents water in the passage rising to the level at which it may freeze, but should water in the passage rise to the freezing level compressed air may be admitted to the passage via a valve under sufficient pressure to purge such water.

Abstract: A wave damping system and method for use on a body of water. A floating collar structure is oriented to define a restraining area in which pieces of ice of random size are disposed. The floating collar has a shield to maintain the ice pieces therein. The collar structure is connected to a positioner element, such as an anchored buoy, a tug boat or a submersible to position and maintain the collar structure in a substantially stationary location on a body of water relative to an offshore or onshore element to be protected. The ice pieces form a stabilizing field of ice in at least a portion of the restraining area whereby to dampen waves in the restraining area to protect the offshore or onshore structure against the damaging effects of such waves.

Abstract: A method and structure for protecting an offshore structure in an arctic body of water from mobile ice, waves, and currents. Soil is dredged from the floor of the body of water, deposited in a berm having a size and shape adapted to protect the offshore structure, and strengthened in place by mixing cement with a portion of the soil in the berm. The space between the berm and the offshore structure is filled with unstrengthened soil fill.

Abstract: A drag unit to absorb the kinetic energy from large floating bodies of ice is constructed around a buoyancy chamber (14). The buoyancy chamber is attached to a torque arm (16) and this is secured at its remote end to an anchor line (6). The buoyancy chamber supports a rotatable drag wheel (20) at either end. The drag wheels each have a plurality of sharp impeller blades on their outer surfaces. The drag wheels are impeded from rotation by brakes (40) attached to the buoyancy chamber (14), the brakes being energized hydraulically from a high pressure gas chamber (71). When a large mass of ice contacts the drag wheels, a braking force determined by the pressure in the gas chamber (71) is applied to the ice, thereby reducing its speed.

Abstract: An offshore facility for use in an arctic body of water to produce, store, and offload hydrocarbons. The facility comprises a main structure which includes storage tanks, production equipment, etc., and which has a marine docking slip constructed therein and adapted to receive and moor a vessel, e.g., a tanker ship, therein to protect the vessel against moving ice. To protect the vessel while it is moored in the slip, a means is provided to keep the water in the slip from freezing.

Abstract: An icebreaking buoy system includes an icebreaking buoy connected to clump weight means positioned on the sea floor by a mooring line having minimum extra length sufficient to permit the buoy to ride up over the largest expected wave. Several such buoy systems may be used to form a line along one or more sides of, or a ring entirely around, an offshore structure or rig to break an ice sheet in the direction or directions it is moving. An anchor fixed to the sea floor may be connected to the clump weight means. Each buoy has a downward sloping bottom portion and a cylindrically or spherically formed top portion. The sides or ends and the bottom of the buoy may be beveled, conical or spherical.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing material from one location to a pile at another wherein a trolley member with a winch is suspended below and supported by a track which in turn is supported on a moving platform such as a drilling platform or a barge. The winch member by means of the usual lifting cable is connected to a material confining member which also is connected to a drag line cable. Movement of the trolley member over the tracks by means of the drag line will cause the material confining member to collect the material. A subsequent lifting of the lift cable as well as operation of the drag line will allow the material to be elevated and placed on a rubble pile at the side of a channel. In a preferred manner, the apparatus and method of this invention is especially suited for use in clearing ice from a channel which is previously cut by ice cutters also associated with the moving platform which carries the clearing apparatus.

Abstract: Arctic berm for offshore structure foundation. It is made of several ballasted ice slabs stacked one over the other and welded together to form a solid mass. The berm is obtained by delimiting a uniform ice thickness area over landfast ice, area made up of a central rectangle and arms radiating from the central rectangle, each arm defining successive rectangles. After all rectangles are ballasted sufficiently for them to sink when cut as slabs, one rectangle is cut into a first slab, is allowed to sink slightly and the rectangle next to it in one of the arms is cut and moved over the first slabs to be welded to it into a solid mass. The remaining rectangles of the arms are, in turn, likewise cut and moved over the already piled slabs and welded to them until the berm is finally obtained.

Abstract: A protective device protects a platform installed in the open sea against the impact of floating objects such as icebergs, ice formations, or ships. A massive protective body surrounds the platform to be protected and has a bottom with inclined bearing surfaces. The body is movably supported on large bearings having inclined bearing areas that slidingly engage the bearing surfaces. When the protective body is struck by a floating object the kinetic energy of the impact pushes the protective body upwards on a portion of the inclined bearing areas and is transformed into potential energy of the elevated body. The protective body is able to thrust the floating object away from the platform as the body moves downwardly to its original position as its potential energy is reconverted to kinetic energy.

Abstract: A water circulating device designed to be installed in a pond or the like for circulating warmer subsurface water to the surface to prevent freeze-over of the pond. The device comprises a framework having a base section which rests on the floor of the pond and an upright section extending up from the base section, a long substantially rigid water conduit mounted on the base section for pivoting about a generally horizontal axis, a pump for pumping water through the conduit from its intake end to its discharge end, and a float connected to the conduit and mounted for up and down movement on the upright section of the framework whereby when the framework is in the water the float rises and pivots the conduit to an inclined position in which the intake end of the conduit is disposed for intake of warmer subsurface water and the discharge end is disposed for discharge of the warmer water at a location adjacent the surface of the water to prevent freeze-over of the pond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for breaking apart large masses of ice wherein a borehole is drilled into a mass of ice, the hole is blocked and pressurized to split the ice mass.

Abstract: The mobile marine drilling structure is of the submersible type for operation in ice-covered waters. The structure comprises a base for placing the structure on the sea bed, a hull extends from the base, and a deck is supported by the hull. The deck is located above the water line for conducting drilling operations. The hull has an internal frame assembly including ballast tanks, and external wall sections at different inclinations to the horizontal to engage and break up the moving ice masses encroaching on the hull. These external wall sections include a plurality of matching polygonal, frusto-pyramidal, apex-up and apex-down walls extending above the base, and two transitional wall sections to provide two inflection points to the hull.

Abstract: A method for accelerating construction of a load bearing ice island, formed by either sea water spraying or flooding techniques, of higher quality or in a shorter time or both than would otherwise be possible. The method involves forced refreezing of spray ice by application of a vertical stream of cold ambient air, as produced by a fan or other devices described, directly downward on the ice surface or by application of the downwardly directed air stream to an impounded mass of sea water. The specific application for the process is construction of improved load bearing structures as used in Arctic regions in support of offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for moving a large mass of ice by anchoring a two line thereto. The tow line is connected to a marine vessel which tows the ice mass to a remote location distant from threatened equipment and personnel.

Abstract: Marine pipelaying is carried out from the surface of floating ice by use of modules which straddle a slot in the ice and carry the pipeline, each module having a large central float which is forced downward into the water and which functions to reduce loading on the sides of the ice slot.

Abstract: A method for protecting stationary constructions, located in water and surrounded by water, against strain caused by a moving ice field in said water. A protective structure is arranged around said stationary construction. Said protective structure has a cross-section considerably greater than the cross-section of said stationary construction and it comprises, at the water surface level and below this level, an outer surface which slopes downwards in a direction against the stationary construction to form an ice breaking surface bending downwards ice, which move against said protective structure.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure which is moored at a fixed position on the sea by means of mooring hawsers and anchors connected to the ends thereof respectively for conducting a submarine excavating operation from a deck of the structure. The structure includes a moorage hull part provided with a vertical through-hole formed therein for receiving an excavating drill pipe and the mooring hawsers and a movable hull part connected to the moorage hull part so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane. The movable hull part is constituted as a hull defining the outer wall of the floating offshore structure and connected with the moorage hull part by inserting it into a moorage hull part receiving hole formed at a position closer to the bow thereof.

Abstract: An artificial iceberg is constructed in an area near the ocean, which has a plentiful supply of fresh water and a climate in which the temperature remains below freezing for extended periods of time. An air pocket is created by fixing a sheet of plastic to a suitable base. Fresh water is then sprayed in layers atop the air pocket until the desired thickness is obtained. Said artificial iceberg will also have tow ropes and Horizontal Drift Eliminators (H.D.E.) implanted during manufacture to facilitate transportation on large bodies of water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming an ice slot in an ice sheet by cutting discrete blocks of ice in the ice sheet, then gripping the blocks of ice with a claw-like attachment extending from a hydraulic arm and pushing the ice blocks downwardly with the hydraulic arm until the blocks reach a level with the underside of the ice sheet and then rotating the blocks under the surrounding ice sheet, whereby loads on the ice sheet are reduced and the ice blocks contribute to the load capacity of the ice sheet due to the buoyant upward pressure of the ice blocks.

Abstract: An installation 18 is protected by a circular array of drag elements 2. Each drag element is anchored to the seabed and has teeth on its upper surface which penetrate, and decelerate, moving ice structures. Ice structures which move over the drag elements and enter the protection area have insufficient momentum to damage the installation.

Abstract: During winter construction of offshore Arctic pipelines, it is frequently necessary to cut an ice slot in order to lay a pipeline on the sea bottom. Once such slots are cut, they rapidly freeze over, so that it is necessary to remove ice from the slot during the pipelaying time span. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing the newly formed ice from the ice slot. An inclined plane, sized to fit within the ice slot width to be maintained, penetrates below the surface of the water within the slot and to a depth at or below the underside of the newly formed ice on the water's surface. By moving the plane along the surface, the ice is raised, broken, and then conveyed upward and then to one side out of the ice slot as spoil.

Abstract: A laminated ice suppression mat which prevents ice from forming adjacent to objects partially submerged in a body of water subject to natural icing conditions has a laminate of buoyant, thermal insulating material intimately joined to a larger laminate of a reinforcing material. A fringe of reinforcing material may become embedded in an ice sheet which forms around the mat and causes the mat to move upward and downward about the object as the ice sheet rises and falls with the changes in water level.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a marine riser extending downwardly from a platform of an offshore station above a sea level toward a sea bottom. A tubular protector is removably mounted on the underside of the platform in surrounding relation to the marine riser in the vicinity of the sea level. According to another embodiment, a tubular protector has an upper portion in the shape of a truncated cone for contact with ice floes and a lower portion shaped as a grid-like truncated cone flaring downwardly for diverting ice floes away from the tubular protector.