The IcySea service

IcySea is a map-based application designed to display and deliver ice relevant information for operational purposes in the polar regions. It is addressed to national and local authorities, as well as to commercial and non-commercial users (for example: tourism, fisheries, research, offshore, and surveying vessels).

The IcySea-backend structure merges high resolution satellite imagery and optimized bias corrected ice drift modeled data in an automated fashion. Data transmission to the IcySea-frontend client software occurs in near real time and is optimized for low bandwidth connections (tested and proven with an Iridium connection). The graphical user interface is designed to smoothly integrate with the work processes on board a ship and to enable quick navigational decision making. IcySea enables the user in the ice to capture the present and future dynamics of sea-ice whilst using high resolution Sentinel-1 radar satellite images for routing decisions. The service is available Arctic and Antarctic wide.

Try the IcySea app now!

Customer testimonials

Great to quickly and easily see real sea ice images, updated regularly.

Yann Rashid, Tour guide in Svalbard

It is for sure to good assistance in deciding where to go or not because of the ice, at least in the beginning of the season.

Captain Ulf-Peter Hansen-Lindström, Captain of an expedition cruise vessel

Our colleagues on board already had a look at it and the feedback was very positive, and if Corona allows Svalbard voyages this year, the app will be used on board.

Port Operations Manager

The development itself is good, and interesting for the crews of ships, who can independently choose on the scheme the area in which they navigate. Each vessel may take the amount of information it needs and not overpay for unnecessary information.

Chief Hydrographer

I really like the functionality with quick grabs of recent sentinel images.

Polar Researcher

Thank you so much for opening a channel for us to provide feedback and even requests. I think Icy Sea is a great tool and a long-felt need in our industry that you are fulfilling so well. Thank you for the service you are providing! It's fantastic.

Expedition Leader

14 hours between idea and new release?! WOW, you make me believe in Service again.

Navigation Officer HANSEATIC spirit

Thanks to your outstanding apps, we performed an efficient ice routeing to the pole.

Robin Lefebvre, Staff Captain at PONANT-PC2 Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot

Detailed IcySea information

Sea-ice data coverage

Where different sources of sea-ice data are available in the Arctic and Antarctic.

See data coverage

Data information

Details and meta-information about the sea-ice data provided by IcySea.

See detailed information

Video tutorials

Visual explanations of how to use IcySea and its features.

Watch tutorial videos

Sea-ice interpretation guidelines

How to interpret and understand sea-ice data within IcySea.

Read interpretation guidelines

An ice information app for navigation in polar regions