ABS has revised its comprehensive guide for vessels operating in
the Arctic and comparable harsh environments incorporating
nearly four years of operational experience since the guide was
first issued in September 2006.
Drawing upon feedback from the industry, the ABS Guide for
Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments was reviewed by
members of ABS’ newly established Arctic Technical Advisory
Committee comprised prominent industry representatives active
in harsh environment developments.
The unique demands imposed on vessels operating in polar
regions are addressed in the guide as well as guidance relating to
personnel safety and training. Major sections include: materials,
welds and coatings; hull construction and equipment; vessel
systems and machinery; safety systems; crew considerations; and
training and related documentation.
According to Robert Conachey, ABS Senior Managing Principal
Engineer, Marine Technology, the major revisions include: updated
notations to reflect occasional operation in low temperatures
and continuous operation in the polar regions; clarification of
requirements applicable to continuous service and occasional
service in low temperatures; and references to regulations since
the guide was first published. Contact information for
administrations in Baltic, Arctic and Antarctic areas as well as
meteorological organizations are included in the guide.
Conachey points out a new notation for vessels with de-icing
systems has been created and charts and tables gave been
updated. “Detailed coloured temperature charts have been
added in the climatic conditions appendix,” he says. “These
charts can be used for guidance to determine temperatures to
be expected when operating in the Arctic and Antarctic areas.”
Additionally, materials charts have been updated to reflect
recent changes to the IACS Unified Rule (UR) S6. The charts
now point out requirements for thick plates, castings and
forgings. A new table has also been added listing various
equipment and systems along with relevant temperature criteria
and cross references.
Vessels designed and equipped in accordance with the
optional requirements of the Guide are eligible for a special class
notation. The notation CCO+(TDST, TMAT) will be listed in the
ABS Record with the service and minimum temperatures for
which the vessel is designed listed in the parenthesis. For
example, CCO+(-30, –40°).
Other optional ABS class notations specified are: Cold
Climate Operation (CCO (TDST, TMAT)), Cold Climate
Operation – Polar (CCO-POLAR (TDST, TMAT)), Cold Climate
Operation Plus (CCO (TDST, TMAT)+), Cold Climate Operation
– Polar Plus (CCO-POLAR (TDST, TMAT)+) and DE-ICE.
Founded in 1862, ABS is a renowned international
classification society devoted to promoting the security of life,
property and the marine environment through the development
and verification of standards for the design, construction and
operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.