The Westland company Metazet, in collaboration with the engineering firms TWD and HEFCOM, has developed two 'ice makers' in record time for a climate project by Arctic Reflections on the Canadian sea ice. The system is intended to help slow the melting of polar ice by artificially thickening it. The first field test took place in February and March.
Climate solution with technology from an unexpected source
Arctic Reflections aims to pump seawater in the winter using drilling and pumping systems and freeze it on existing ice, making it thicker and more durable in the summer. This enhances the reflective capacity of the ice surface – crucial for reflecting sunlight back into space.
Metazet translated the design into a robust, modular system made of galvanized steel, fully demountable for transport and capable of withstanding temperatures down to -50°C. The installation drills through the ice, pumps underlying water up, and thickens the ice layer. The entire setup was mounted on an amphibious vehicle, the 'Fat Truck,' which can move over ice, snow, and water.
From greenhouse to cold
Metazet originally operates in the greenhouse horticulture sector, where it develops smart solutions for cultivation systems, internal logistics, hoisting installations, and pipe rail systems. "Our strength lies in the combination of experienced engineers, technical craftsmanship throughout the organization, and a flexible manufacturing company," says Luke van Adrichem, general director of Metazet. "This allows us to quickly adapt, design, and produce – even for challenges outside our familiar field of work. As this project on the Canadian sea ice demonstrates."
"The project demanded high standards of materials, design, and lead time – and that's precisely the kind of challenge that energizes our team. Everyone contributed, worked hard, and applied their expertise to get it done on time – I'm really proud of that."
Arctic Reflections' ambition is to thicken 100,000 km² of polar ice annually in the long term – an area comparable to twice the size of the Netherlands. This first field test was an important step in that direction. Although there are still areas for improvement, the system worked. Further scientific validation and development will follow this year. COO Tom Meijeraan of Arctic Reflections: "Metazet continuously contributed solutions to problems we hadn't even foreseen. Without their commitment and expertise, we wouldn't have been able to start the field test on time."
Continuation of the project
Arctic Reflections is currently in the phase of scientific validation. For further scaling, structural funding is needed, for example through sponsorship, subsidies, or partnerships.
For more information:
Metazet B.V.
De Lierseweg 6
2291 PD Wateringen
Tel.: +31 (174) 22 58 22
[email protected]
www.metazet.com
www.metazet.com/nl/artic-reflections/