What is this?

[Steve Geronazzo]

Hi all,

I was looking at the aft section of the ATLANTIIC ERIE today and noticed bubbling water at the waterline. After a few minutes I saw an employee change the position of this contraption that is underwater and making bubbles. I assume it is hooked up to a pump and is used to stop the formation of ice but wonder do all ships in winter layup do this?!?!?

Look at the attached photos.

Any information would be appreciated.

Steve Geronazzo

[Mac Mackay]

Hi Steve
Yes you it right it is an ice bubbler, powered by an air compressor. I have seen pictures from the 1950s where it was being used, so it has been around a long time.
It would only be used where they don't want the ship frozen in, or if they are going to send divers down to do work on the prop area.
The icebreaker Louis S. St-Laurent has an ice bubbler system mounted in the ship, which is quite impressive when it is running.
Mac

[Steve Geronazzo]

Hi Mac,

Thanks for confirming what I thought. I wonder if they are going to do any work around the propeller area during the winter. I guess I'll have to check it out.

Steve

[Shiphotos]

Steve:

Keeping an ice-free, or minimum thickness of ice, by using a bubbler also prevents damage to the prop and rudder.

Back in the 50's and 60's my father and his crew on the Scott Misener had to saw the ice and remove it by hand.  And in those days the ice was thicker!

Paul

[BobS]

To aid icebreaking efficiency, many Russian, Finnish and Swedish icebreakers have integral bubbling systems with compressed air jets built into their hulls, below the waterline

[Tuomas Romu]

To aid icebreaking efficiency, many Russian, Finnish and Swedish icebreakers have integral bubbling systems with compressed air jets built into their hulls, below the waterline

You need a bit more bubbles for that...

[Jean Hemond]

Likely the ERIE crew were keeping the prop/steering/nozzle area clear of ice for some inspection or maintenance (by local divers) while waiting for elevators to load grain.