Stamford, Connecticut: The shipping activity in some of the coldest and toughest parts of the world is due to increase in the years to come. By introducing new class notations, DNV is already prepared to assist shipowners, oil majors and yards in ensuring safe and environmentally friendly transportation in these areas.
Class societies have rules for ships operating in ice-infested waters - eg, in the Baltic Sea and Barents Sea. Ice belts, ballast heating, corrosion and coating, etc, are included in the mandatory requirements. However, oil production is now expected to expand into the even tougher parts of the Barents Sea and Kara Sea. These class notations will then not be enough. There is now a need for more enhanced standards.
Because of this, DNV has introduced new class notations – all voluntary – with the main target of achieving an acceptable level of risk when operating in these difficult areas.
The strains on the vessels will be of a different character, so attention must be paid to the ship’s design and materials. Icing and deicing might affect the ship’s stability and must be specified. Pumps and pipes have to be built for, or otherwise protected against, low temperatures.
Damage caused by even small oil spills might cause an environmental disaster due to the long time taken to break down oil in cold climates. This explains the need for stricter standards for operation in these areas. For shipowners and operators, this means that everything, from the navigation system and ship’s propeller to the protection of bunker tanks, is a crucial element to be considered.
Finally, the crew on board will have to be well trained and protected from the extreme conditions. The noise and vibration levels when operating in ice are much worse than the levels in open sea. The temperature inside the ship will naturally be affected by the extreme cold outside. The class notations have to take all these issues into consideration, and not let winter get the upper hand.