DNV GL has recently announced that they approved the first vessel to comply with IMO Polar Code, which will became mandatory from January 1st, 2017. Although no mention was given about which polar class the vessel has been approved for, the announcement confirm once again the growing interest for Arctic sea-routes.
Here the press release by DNV GL:
“Having followed the development of the Polar Code for some years, it is a great achievement to finally survey the first vessel to comply with the Code,” says Morten Mejlænder-Larsen, responsible for Arctic and Polar activities at DNV GL - Maritime.
Based on long experience from Arctic operations in low temperatures and ice covered waters, Viking Supply Ships saw the value in the IMO Polar Code and decided to implement it early on. The process has included updates of vessel and equipment, as well as providing the required documentation.
“As this vessel was already winterized and built for operation in cold climate, most of the additional requirements in the Polar Code were already fulfilled before we started the implementation process,” says Andreas Kjøl, Project Director at Viking Supply Ships.
The IMO Polar Code is mandatory for all SOLAS vessel entering Arctic and Antarctic waters from 1 January 2017. The Code is an add-on to existing IMO codes where the main requirements are related to safety (SOLAS) and protection of the environment (MARPOL). DNV GL will, on behalf of the Flag Authorities, issue the Polar Ship Certificate for vessels complying with the new code.
As a result of less ice and easier access to polar waters, IMO saw the need for a common set of minimum requirements for vessels operating in these areas which are not covered by other regulations. In addition, increased shipping to support the oil and gas industry, mineral export, and an expansion of cruise visits to these regions, prompted IMO’s work with the code.
The main additional risks identified when operating in polar waters are addressed in the IMO Polar Code and the different chapters describe different measures to mitigate these risks.
Magne Viking is an ice-classed AHTS vessel capable of operations in harsh environment offshore regions, as well as Arctic/Sub-Arctic operations. The DNV GL classed vessel is owned and operated by Viking Supply Ships.
For more information, please visit www.vikingsupply.com
About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide range of industries.
Combining leading technical and operational expertise, risk methodology and in-depth industry knowledge, we empower our customers' decisions and actions with trust and confidence. We continuously invest in research and collaborative innovation to provide customers and society with operational and technological foresight. With origins stretching back to 1864, DNV GL's reach today is global. Operating in more than 100 countries, our 15,000 professionals are dedicated to helping customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.
For more information visit www.dnvgl.com/maritime
(Source: DNV GL)