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NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility - Canada
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NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility

Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Ice tank facility in Ottawa
Researchers And Facilities
Expert Advice

Overview

Fee-for-service 21 m x 7 m x 1.1 m concrete tank equipped with both a towing and service carriage, in which temperatures can reach as low as -20°C to produce ice of up to 0.6 m thick.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Integrate new technologies
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Research and experimental development
Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups

Activities funded

Examples of admissible projects:
$ 150,000
Simulating Arctic shipping routes and their impact on ship design
$ 170,000
Studying ice mechanics to design better ice roads in Northern Canada
$ 190,000
Evaluating the impact of ice on submerged offshore pipelines
$ 180,000
Designing ice-resistant offshore renewable energy platforms
$ 200,000
Development of automated systems for ice-breaking ships
$ 100,000
Developing new ice-resistant coatings for marine vessels

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Any company that is involved in the research, development, or commercialization of technologies related to ice and ice-related problems can apply for this grant. This includes companies working in fields such as marine engineering, Arctic exploration, environmental monitoring, offshore oil and gas, shipping, and any other industry where understanding ice dynamics is crucial.


Eligible expenses

The NRC's ice tank in Ottawa is designed to support a wide range of projects focusing on the study of Arctic and marine conditions. Projects eligible for this grant typically involve the use of the ice modelling facility to test and investigate ice-related phenomena and interactions.

  • Model tests of ice structure interactions to understand the dynamics between structures and ice.
  • Investigations into the effects of ice scouring on seabed materials.
  • Simulation of different ice regimes and wave climate interactions using the wave machine.
  • Research on the formation and characteristics of ice under controlled laboratory conditions.

Selection criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria are:

  • Evaluation of project relevance and alignment with NRC’s ice tank capabilities
  • Technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research
  • Potential for impact and commercialization of the outcomes
  • Capability of the research team to execute the project

How to apply

1

Contact NRC

  • Email NRC at NRC.ContactOCRE-ContactezGOCF.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca to express interest in using the ice tank facility and inquire about potential grant funding opportunities.
  • Include a brief description of your project and objectives in the email.
2

Initial Discussion

  • Engage in preliminary discussions with NRC experts to evaluate project suitability and available resources.
  • Clarify any specific requirements or conditions for funding application.
3

Proposal Development

  • Draft a detailed project proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, and potential impacts.
  • Include technical details regarding how the ice tank facility will be utilized.
4

Application Submission

  • Compile all necessary documentation as advised by the NRC, including budgets, timelines, and technical details.
  • Submit your complete application package to the designated NRC contact or online portal, as directed.
5

Confirmation and Follow-up

  • Receive confirmation of your application submission from NRC.
  • Engage in any required follow-up meetings or provide additional documentation if requested by NRC.

Additional information

The NRC's ice tank in Ottawa offers unique advantages and services that may serve as additional considerations for applicants.

  • The facility is equipped with advanced technology including a towing and service carriage and a wave machine, which allows for the simulation of various ice and wave conditions.
  • Applicants can leverage the expertise of internationally recognized NRC experts in ice modelling and problem-solving.
  • Collaboration with the NRC can help in de-risking technology demonstrations, thus supporting the commercialization process.
  • The versatility of the ice tank allows for customizable testing solutions tailored to specific research or industry needs.
  • Strategic location in Ottawa, facilitating collaboration with government and industry stakeholders in Canada.

Documents and links

NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility?

Fee-for-service 21 m x 7 m x 1.1 m concrete tank equipped with both a towing and service carriage, in which temperatures can reach as low as -20°C to produce ice of up to 0.6 m thick.

Who is eligible for the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility program?

To be eligible for the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility program, you must: No specific company eligibility criteria are provided in the given information.

Who can I contact for more information about the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility?

You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC).

Where is the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility available?

The NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility program is available across Canada.

Is the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility a grant, loan, or tax credit?

NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility is a Researchers And Facilities

Who are the financial supporters of the NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility?

NRC — Ice Tank - 21 m Research Facility is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC), Government of Canada