The Arctic is melting, faster than ever!
While March 2025 was the hottest on record in Europe, the Arctic felt that shift even harder. This isn’t just a local problem. The Arctic acts as our planet’s natural air conditioner, reflecting sunlight and regulating global temperatures.
That’s why Arctic Reflections exists
This pioneering Buccaneer startup is on a mission to restore Arctic ice. By using engineered solutions to thicken sea ice, Buccaneer Arctic Reflections is working on climate innovation.
Their latest step? A field mission in sub-Arctic Canada
Earlier this year, the team traveled to Newfoundland for their second field expedition, this time focusing on creating a larger area of thicker ice in a sub-Arctic environment. Important, because the Arctic is becoming more like this sub-Arctic environment every year. These lessons are a window into our future, and a warning of how fast things are changing.
- New equipment was tested.
- Sub-Arctic snow conditions pushed them to adapt.
- Larger areas were covered to test ice thickening at scale.
Despite harsh conditions, logistical delays, and frozen components, the mission delivered crucial insights.
The sub-Arctic put their equipment and ideas to the test. Snow, more abundant than expected, slowed the freezing process, forcing the team to adapt their methods. A malfunctioning auger caused delays, but quick thinking and on-site fixes kept the mission going.
More than just technical lessons, the team experienced how fast these regions are changing. What was once a testing ground now feels like a preview of the Arctic’s future. The mission uncovered ways to apply this method at scale, but also showed how vital it is to stay agile, learn quickly, and adapt to the unpredictable.
And of course, the ice will be monitored remotely until it has melted away, providing valuable insights into how thickened ice behaves in these evolving environments.
Personal note from Fonger Ypma, co-founder of Arctic Reflections
“During our stay in Newfoundland, our team accidentally dropped the key of a snowmobile, an almost impossible item to recover in the thick snow. Later that day, a local resident passed by, noticed the key, and returned it to us. It was a small but meaningful gesture that prevented us from a potential major setback. The honesty and kindness of this man left a deep impression. The residents genuinely appreciated and were interested in what we were trying to do. Their support reminded us that our mission resonates far beyond science, it connects with people.”
Join the mission
Arctic Reflections is now looking for partners to join their mission. Whether it’s supporting offshore operations, helping to optimize engineering efforts, or contributing to the complex logistics required in extreme environments, there’s room to make a meaningful impact. Strategic sponsorships can help scale this groundbreaking initiative, and Arctic Reflections is deeply grateful for the support of partners like TWD, who’ve already stepped up to accelerate the mission.
