Winter can be devastating for conventional marine buoys. Replacing navigation buoys with ice-resistant alternatives before the ice season isn’t just recommended—it’s essential.
Why This Issue Is So Urgent?
Each year, sea ice causes millions in damage to marine infrastructure. Think of a standard navigation buoy anchored with a 4–5-ton concrete sinker—it sounds secure, right? Not when faced with massive sheets of drifting ice. The sheer thrust of sea ice can snap anchor chains and push buoys far off course. If that happens in a busy shipping lane, the result could be vessel damage or even accidents.
Here’s a real concern: When seawater drops to –1.5°C, sea ice can expand dramatically. A 1,000-meter-wide ice field can grow by 0.45 meters just from freezing expansion—more than enough to crush or flood a standard buoy. That’s why Sunhelm recommends replacing traditional marine buoys with specially designed ice buoys before winter arrives.
What Happens to Regular Navigation Buoys in Winter?
Sea ice is not just cold—it’s powerful. Conventional buoys can be:
- Crushed by pressure: When ice freezes around a buoy, it expands and can crack the shell, allowing water to flood in.
- Dislodged from their anchor: Even heavy sinkers can’t hold position when ice sheets push with immense force.
- Physically destroyed: Ice movement can deform buoy bodies, damage solar panels or lights, or sink the entire structure.
That’s why simply leaving summer buoys in place through the winter is not an option in icy waters. Conventional navigation buoys cannot withstand winter sea ice pressure. Ice buoys must be installed before freezing starts to ensure safe and reliable marine navigation.
What Makes Ice Buoys Different?
Ice buoys are specially engineered to survive winter conditions. At Sunhelm, we build ice buoys with the following features:
1. Strong Structure with Small Stress Area
The upper part of the ice buoy is shaped like a cone. This design reduces the pressure exerted by sea ice. When drift ice hits, it’s split by the conical shape, forming a narrow ice-free trail behind the buoy. It’s almost as if the buoy is “sailing” through the ice, leaving calm water in its wake.
2. Ability to “Hide” Beneath Ice
When heavy ice sheets move in or the surface freezes entirely, the buoy’s structure allows it to submerge slightly under the ice rather than resist it head-on. Once the ice moves away, the buoy resurfaces with minimal damage. Its durable top is built to handle pressure and moisture without cracking or leaking.
Why Choose Sunhelm’s Marine Buoys?
At Sunhelm, we don’t just supply buoys—we engineer them for the harshest marine environments. Our ice buoys are trusted by ports, shipping routes, and offshore facilities in extreme cold regions.
Here’s what you get with our ice-resistant marine buoys:
- Durable conical designs to break through pressure
- High-strength materials and sealed internal components
- GPS and AIS compatibility for real-time tracking—even under snow
- Easy replacement systems before and after winter seasons
FAQ
What happens if navigation buoys aren’t replaced in winter?
They may get damaged or lost due to ice pressure, leading to unsafe navigation.
How do ice buoys differ from standard marine buoys?
Ice buoys have reinforced, cone-shaped designs that reduce ice pressure and allow them to submerge when necessary.
When should marine buoys be replaced for winter?
Ideally, before temperatures drop below freezing—typically late fall in cold climates.
Can ice damage anchor chains of navigation buoys?
Yes, drifting sea ice can snap chains or displace entire buoy systems despite heavy anchors.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared Before the Freeze Hits
Winter is beautiful, but it’s brutal on the sea. Don’t let your navigation buoys become casualties of the cold. With Sunhelm’s ice buoys, your route stays clear, your vessels stay safe, and your operations run smoothly all year round.
Contact Sunhelm today to schedule your winter marine buoy replacement!