The seismic response analysis model of a single-column pier surrounded by sea ice was established and it analyzed the nonlinear seismic response of the pier subject to different types of earthquakes. The results show that the maximum seismic responses of the pier occur when the mass of sea ice is about 5000~10000 ton, which should be used to design a pier. When the sea ice is considered, the curvature ductility demand coefficient,the maximum displacement and the maximum residual displacement of the pier are several times than those corresponding to without sea ice, and the M-Ø hysteretic curves of the cross-section of the pier subject to earthquakes present downfallen ‘S’ form significantly and the deformability and energy dissipation capability of the pier drop remarkably.