Arctia – ready for the Polar Code
Arctia Ltd. says it will be in full compliance with the IMO Polar Code early 2018. The Polar Code, officially the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, is an international regime adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2014. The Code sets out regulations for shipping in the world’s polar regions, principally relating to ice navigation and ship design. The Code has several different implementation dates.
“We want to be at the forefront of safe and sustainable polar operations by being one of the first shipowners with vessels classified into the Polar Code. By offering our safe and sustainable solutions to other maritime operators and businesses active in polar waters, we support safe shipping in these demanding conditions”, says Pia Broumand, Chief Safety Officer and DPA at Arctia Ltd.
“Arctia enters the Polar Code with three icebreakers which all have extensive track records in a variety of polar operations. We are pleased to incorporate the best Arctic operating practices and comply with the Polar Code”, states Sampo Viheriälehto, Chartering Manager at Arctia Offshore Ltd.
“At DNV GL polar shipping has been a longstanding priority, and we are very honored to have been able to work with Arctia as they prepare their vessels to meet the requirements of the new Polar Code. Compliance with the Polar Code lets responsible and forward-looking owners and operators demonstrate that they are prepared to take on the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of operating in these sensitive waters”, explains Janne Valkonen, Senior Consultant, Cold Climate Advisory Services, Maritime Advisory at DNV GL.
Arctia offers icebreaking, ice management, oil spill preparedness and various other maritime services with an exceptional track-record of operating high ice-class vessels in challenging conditions. The company’s multipurpose icebreakers Fennica and Nordica have operated off the coasts of Alaska and transited both the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage. MSV Nordica currently hold the records for both the earliest and the latest season transits of the Northwest Passage. Arctia’s converted polar icebreaker Otso has extensive experience in varying ice conditions off the western and northeastern coasts of Greenland. These vessels are the strongest commercial icebreakers available in polar waters.