Ed Kean’s Iceberg Harvest: A Unique Industry in Newfoundland

Each summer, Captain Ed Kean, a fifth-generation sea captain, sets out on the North Atlantic to harvest ancient icebergs that have calved off Greenland’s glaciers. This unique and perilous craft supplies pristine water for breweries, wineries, and luxury bottled-water companies, with growing demand for its unparalleled purity.

The Hunt for Icebergs

Kean begins his season scouting Canada’s northeastern coastline, covering hundreds of miles by car and consulting locals for sightings. Using tools like the government’s ‘Iceberg Finder’ and his own experience, he tracks iceberg movements, estimating their drift into calm bays or coves. Once located, he mobilizes his trawler, the Green Waters, assembles his crew, and begins the challenging process of harvesting.

The Perils and Techniques of Harvesting

Harvesting icebergs is no simple feat. Kean employs massive nets, hydraulic arms, and, when necessary, chainsaws or rifles to break off manageable pieces. The ice is then winched aboard, melted, and stored for transport. The unpredictable nature of icebergs—their potential to flip, collapse, or puncture hulls—poses constant danger. Rising fuel costs and conflicts with local tourism operators add further complexity to the venture.

A Market for the Purest Water

The water extracted from these ancient icebergs is prized for its millennia-long preservation within glaciers, free from modern pollutants. Companies like Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. and Berg Water use it to create premium products, marketing it as “the purest water on Earth.” Despite high production costs, demand for iceberg water continues to grow.

Balancing Industry and Tourism

While some tourism operators criticize iceberg harvesting for diminishing the aesthetic appeal of these natural wonders, Kean emphasizes that his operations target a small fraction of the icebergs in the area and avoid tourist-heavy regions. This balance ensures that the allure of Newfoundland’s icebergs remains intact while supporting a niche but valuable industry.

A Lifelong Pursuit

Kean’s fascination with icebergs began in the 1990s, evolving from his work as a commercial fisherman to becoming Newfoundland’s foremost iceberg harvester. Despite the risks and challenges, he continues to refine his methods, driven by a passion for harnessing one of nature’s rarest resources.

For the original article, visit: Wall Street Journal - In Canada, Iceberg Harvester Seeks Chips Off Really Old Blocks