The finite element model of ship-water-ice of polar geophysical exploration ship is established with the LS-DYNA finite element software, the ice load values and ice load time history curves of the ship under the design ice breaking thickness and design speed are calculated, and the influence of ice body element dimensions on ice load calculation results is further studied. The results show that the maximum value of ice load decreases with the element dimensions decrease of ice body finite element. The calculation results of relevant ice load empirical formulas are compared, and the reasonable ice body element dimensions are finally determined. The research results are of great significance for the structural design and structural safety evaluation of polar geophysical exploration ship.