DNV Maritime

ship operations
in cold climate
DNV – the leading class society and first choice for
safe and reliable ship operations in cold climate
DNV Ice Classes

Ship Operations in cold climate is much more

than ice strengthening

DNV has over the years gained unique experience relat-

ed to ship operations in cold climate. The current DNV
classed fleet of vessels built for operation in cold climate
consists of around 1750 vessels of all types.

DNV has the highest market share of oil tankers built for
operation in cold climate; around 400 vessels, or close to
40 % (tdw). Almost 50 % of all tankers on order with ice
strengthening are to DNV class.

The world’s first double acting tankers were Uikki (1993)

and Lunni (1995), both with diesel electric azipod
propulsion. Both have up to now been operating success-
fully in difficult icy conditions in the Arctic. Uikki has
twice passed the whole North East Passage as the first
foreign flag vessel. Both vessels were DNV classed.

Among the ice strengthened vessels on order to DNV

48 %
class in Korea today (June 2004) are 5 aframax tankers,
52 %
Others DNV
owned by Russian owners. They will be carrying oil from
Tankers on order with ice class notation. Sakhalin1 for EXXON. To facilitate this trade FESCO
Based on number of vessels as of 2004.05.01 has ordered 2 ice breaking stand-by and supply vessels

2
from Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland. These vessels will
apply the double acting concept, able to meet the most
difficult ice conditions with solid ice exceeding 1.5
metres and ice ridges up to 20 metres deep, in an area
where ambient temperatures may drop to – 40 degrees
centigrade. These vessels are DNV classed and also have
DNV’s additional class notation DEICE to maintain safe-
ty and operational functions under icing conditions.
DNV’s Rules for ship operations in cold climate
go beyond the Baltic Rules and include:
> a number of additional class notations (applicable for
all merchant ship types and ice breakers), specifying
different levels of ice strengthening for operation in
ice with (Baltic Rules) or without (Arctic Rules) assis-
tance of ice breakers
> DEICE notation which specifies a standard to maintain
safety and operation under icing conditions (ref. pic-
tures above)
> DAT (X) notation which specifies requirements to
materials exposed to low ambient temperatures (x)
in order to avoid brittle fracture
DNV’s large fleet, including all types of vessels operating
in cold climate, has enabled us over decades to develop
a unique and broad competence base in plan approval
and our survey stations world wide.
DNV also has considerable knowledge about formalities
associated with operations in Russian and Baltic waters,
e.g. Ice Passport required for operation in Russian
waters. We are pleased to share such information with
owners and yards. With DNV you can be confident of
obtaining the best advice both in the construction and
operating of your ship.
The more information that is available relating to the
trading routes of a vessel, the more accurate we can
be in advising the need for ice strengthering, engine
power and other features and formalities.
DNV – as the leading cold climate class society –
is prepared and pleased to share state-of-the-art
competence to support safe and reliable business
and to minimize the risks to your business.
DNV Maritime

Det Norske Veritas, NO-1322 Høvik, tel. +47 67 57 99 00, www.dnv.com

Design: DNVE Graphic Communications 0407-009

7-2004