Investigation of Ice Navigation Behavior in Arctic LNG Transportation Based on Multi-Source Data

Paper in proceeding, 2026

In recent years, the strategic importance of Arctic shipping routes has surged due to its potential for shorter transit times and access to untapped resources, making safe navigation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in ice-covered waters critical for polar transportation and the global energy supply chain. This study investigates ice navigation behavior in Arctic LNG transportation using multi-source data, integrating automatic identification system (AIS) data with meteorological and oceanographic (Metocean) data. First, extensive AIS data in Arctic waters are processed, which involves cleaning, interpolation, and compression to ensure optimal data quality. Second, AIS and Metocean data are spatiotemporally fused to create a multidimensional dataset that captures both environmental and navigational dynamics. Based on this, the ice navigation speed and route selection behavior of LNG carriers are analyzed across different Arctic seas under seasonal and directional (eastbound versus westbound) conditions. The findings highlight adaptive variations in ship speed and route choices under diverse environmental conditions, providing theoretical support for risk identification, route optimization, and informed navigation decision-making, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of navigation in Arctic ice-covered waters while addressing the challenges posed by dynamic ice conditions and atmospheric factors.