Euphoria has broken out in the ice class market, underpinned by the booming Russian oil industry, environmental concerns and red-hot tanker rates.
On the back of these positive influences, market analysts have predicted that the ice class fleet could grow to 14 million dwt by 2008. Nobody doubts that the demand will continue on an upward path, but the question is just how steep will the path be?
Our special feature starting on page 4 in this issue of DNV Forum offers some insight from a leading broker and researcher in this exciting new field.
As we see it, Russian exports are expected to remain concentrated on ports in three areas – the north Baltic, the Russian Arctic and the far eastern areas of Russia. The high infrastructure costs involved in developing exports from the northern parts of Russia seem to indicate a large scale operation, and exploitation of Russia’s large oil reserves will undoubtedly mean the use of many high-spec ice class tankers.
With Norway straddling the Arctic Circle, it is hardly surprising that DNV has been involved in cold-climate shipping for quite some time. We offer a number of class notations corresponding to different functional needs when operating in cold climates or ice-infested waters. As the major class society for tankers with ice strengthening, and with almost 1,800 classed vessels of different types prepared for operation in cold climate, DNV has gained many years of valuable experience for developing rules covering different operational needs.
In our continuing efforts to serve and support the industry, we endeavour to make shipowners, operators and their crews aware of the challenges of operating in cold climates and icy conditions. Also, DNV is prepared to support and be a discussion partner for owners, yards and authorities in the further development of shipping activities in cold climates.
Such communication becomes increasingly important when one realises that one third of all DNV-classed tankers currently on order are specified with ice strengthening and this proportion seems to be increasing.
Miklos Konkoly-Thege
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: 2005-04-28