METHOD OF TRANSPORTING ICE STRUCTURE

摘要

This specification discloses a method of providing an ice structure at a desired offshore, frigid location. The structure is constructed at a first offshore location by accumulating ice on a base of naturally occurring ice. The existing extreme temperature is utilized to quickly freeze water sprayed or flooded on the base to form the accumulating ice. The base sinks under the weight of the accumulated ice to form the structure having a desired thickness. A cavity is then formed, preferably by melting, in the interior of the structure to provide the structure with sufficient buoyancy to float the structure and allow it to be towed to its desired location. There the cavity is filled with a material dense enough to again cause the structure to sink and become grounded at said desired location.