Designing vessels, offshore structures, or marine systems for icy waters is risky without real-world testing. Computer models only go so far. The NRC Ice Tank gives Canadian and international companies access to controlled ice and cold-ocean testing at temperatures as low as –20°C. This helps you check how your designs behave before you build or deploy them.
This guide explains what the NRC Ice Tank is, who can use it, how the process works, and how businesses often fund the testing.
The NRC — Ice Tank – 21 m Research Facility is a federal, fee-for-service research facility operated by the National Research Council Canada (NRC). You pay for access, technical support, and testing time. It is not a grant.
Facility specifications
Common testing applications
Controlled testing is especially useful for businesses working in Arctic shipping, offshore energy, marine engineering, defence, and ocean technology.
Access is open to many users on a paid, project-based basis.
You may be a good fit if you are:
There is no requirement to be an SME and no restriction by province, since the facility is federally operated.
If you are looking for funding to help pay for testing, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find innovation or R&D programs that fit your industry and location.
Each project is different, but most follow a clear set of steps.
Typical steps
Ice conditions and test setups are very specialized. Lead times can be long. Start early to secure your spot and make sure your model or prototype is ready.
No. The NRC Ice Tank is not a grant program. It is a paid research and testing service.
Many businesses use funding programs to help cover NRC testing costs, such as:
In these cases, ice tank testing fees may be eligible project costs under a separate funding agreement, depending on the program rules.
GrantHub tracks many grant and funding programs across Canada, making it easier to check which ones may cover external testing and validation costs.
Assuming it is free or grant-funded
The NRC Ice Tank operates on a fee-for-service basis. Budget early to avoid project delays.
Underestimating preparation time
Model building, instrumentation, and test design often take longer than expected in ice environments.
Not checking funding rules before booking
If you plan to reimburse testing costs through a grant, confirm eligibility before booking tank time.
Waiting too long to contact NRC
Ice tank schedules can fill up. Early discussions help secure your timeline and technical support.
Q: How cold can the NRC Ice Tank get?
The facility can reach temperatures as low as –20°C and produce ice up to 0.6 metres thick, allowing realistic cold-ocean simulations.
Q: Is the NRC Ice Tank only for Canadian companies?
No. Both Canadian and international organizations can access the facility on a paid basis.
Q: What types of ice are simulated in the tank?
The tank supports controlled ice formation for testing vessel models, structures, and ice interaction scenarios relevant to cold and Arctic environments.
Q: Can grant funding pay for ice tank testing?
In many cases, yes. While the NRC Ice Tank itself is not funded, testing costs may qualify under separate innovation or R&D programs, depending on program rules.
Q: How do I book time at the NRC Ice Tank?
You start by contacting the NRC facility team with your project details. They guide you through scoping, pricing, and scheduling.
If your business needs ice or cold-ocean validation, the NRC Ice Tank offers a rare and controlled testing environment. Plan early and consider pairing testing with the right funding strategy.
GrantHub can help you find grant and innovation programs that may cover external testing costs, so you can move from concept to tested design with fewer surprises.
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