Original news was published on 30 May, 2014

Operators transiting the polar regions are not always fully prepared for the unique challenges that they will face, according to a new publication issued by the Swedish Club.  Yet informing their P&I Club and Underwriter allows the owner to get access to hands-on advice that will reduce their exposure to these increased risks.

“As summer approaches in the northern hemisphere and operators look to take up the increased opportunities that the opening of the routes offers, it is easy to forget that transiting the polar regions requires a unique set of skills.” says Lars Malm, Director, Strategic Business Development & Client Relationship for The Swedish Club.

“Accident avoidance is key.  If a casualty was to occur, assistance would be limited due to the lack of infrastructure, and freezing temperatures can seriously impair the operations of any salvage equipment that can get through, escalating a minor incident into a serious casualty. We are dealing with temperatures as low as -50oC with icebergs as hard as concrete floating in unsurveyed waters.”

The need to address gaps in knowledge and coordinate ice data and ice regimes has been identified by The Swedish Club.

“The lack of a coherent ice regimen across the regions also adds to the difficulties,” said Malm. “For example, at present there are only two Arctic ice-regimes – the Russian and Canadian ice regimes. The Polar Code developed by the IMO is now awaiting ratification, but with the rules that are in force today, a vessel should operate in these areas as if it were sailing under an ice regime.”

The Swedish Club has produced a new brochure, Ice – Advice for trading in polar regions, the latest in its series of Loss Prevention publications, aimed at the shipowner considering operating in these tempting routes.

About The Swedish Club

The Swedish Club was founded in 1872 and is today a leading and diversified mutual marine insurance company, owned and controlled by its members. The Club writes Protection & Indemnity, Freight, Demurrage & Defence, Hull & Machinery, Hull Interests, Loss of Hire, War Risks, and any additional insurances required by shipowners or charterers. It also writes Hull & Machinery, War risks and Loss of Hire for Mobile Offshore Units and FPSOs.

Its head office is located in Gothenburg, Sweden, with branch offices in Piraeus, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Oslo.

*NEWS SOURCE