HALF-SUBMERGED ICE-BREAKER VESSEL FOR TRANSPORTING CARGO OVER THE ICE SURFACE

摘要

There is provided a vessel consisting of one or more submerged propulsion hulls connected to a cargo carrying platform suspended over ice by a plurality of interconnecting columns. At least the frontal columns contain ice chipping systems for cutting a path through ice between the submerged hull or hulls and the platform. The columns are preferably pivotably mounted to both the hull or hulls and the platform to permit adjustment of the angle of the column during the ice cutting function and to permit the platform to be lowered onto the surface of the ice when the cargo meets its destination.