In the frigid waters near Newfoundland, Canada, a unique profession has emerged to protect offshore oil platforms from potentially disastrous collisions with floating icebergs: the iceberg mover.
Iceberg movers, also known as iceberg wranglers, use a variety of techniques to redirect massive ice formations away from oil installations, shipping lanes, and populated coastal areas. The high-stakes job combines elements of oceanography, meteorology, and towing expertise—with an added dose of danger.
When an iceberg is identified as a threat, iceberg movers employ several methods to alter its course. The most common approach involves attaching a towline to the iceberg and using powerful tugboats to slowly redirect it. For smaller icebergs, water cannons may be used to push them in a different direction.
Another technique involves deploying floating ropes or nets around the iceberg, which catch ocean currents and gradually pull the ice mass off its collision course. In especially challenging cases, iceberg movers might even attempt to break up the ice formation using controlled explosions, though this method is used sparingly due to environmental concerns.
The profession demands comprehensive knowledge of ocean currents, weather patterns, and iceberg behavior. Movers must calculate how various forces—including winds, waves, and the Coriolis effect—will influence an iceberg's movement over time. They also need to understand ice structure to identify potential breaking points and assess stability.
Iceberg moving operations typically begin in early spring when ice from Greenland and the Arctic begins breaking off and floating south. During peak season, companies like Atlantic Towing Limited and Provincial Airlines' Ice Management Program employ dozens of specialists to monitor and manage potentially hazardous icebergs.
The job pays well—experienced iceberg movers can earn upwards of $100,000 annually—but comes with significant risks. Workers face dangers from sudden iceberg shifts or rollovers, harsh weather conditions, and the remote nature of the work.
While it may sound like something from a science fiction novel, iceberg moving has become an essential service for protecting billions of dollars in offshore infrastructure and preventing environmental disasters that could result from collisions with oil platforms. As climate change accelerates ice melt in polar regions, this unusual profession may become increasingly important in the coming decades.