Using Process Modeling Approach and Qualitative Data to Build a Unified Understanding of Icebreaker Operations

Icebreaker operation is critical to maritime operations in ice-covered waters, as it contributes to the navigation safety and efficiency. However, the complexity of icebreaker operations, due to the challenging operational environment and the involvement of multiple components, remains largely undocumented. This lack of documentation has led to a limited understanding of the processes and missed opportunities for analysis and optimization of the operations. To address this gap, this study serves as a pilot for modeling icebreaker operation processes by leveraging data from a 10-day expedition onboard an operational icebreaker in the Baltic Sea. Through observations and interviews with expert crew members, the study identifies key activities, events, data resources used in decision-making, and workflows. The icebreaker operations are modeled using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to represent the sequence of events, key activities, and decision-making processes. The formalized process model provides a structured representation of icebreaker operations, serving as a foundation for optimizing workflows, designing simulation models, automating decision-making, enhancing crew training, and supporting further analysis and research. This model can help to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency in ice-covered waters, while also supporting real-world applications and research that depend on precise process documentation.

Keywords: Icebreaker operations, Business process modeling, BPMN, Decision making, Qualitative data, Winter navigation.