Feature 6 | ICE CLASS Guidelines for Arctic development


As shipping along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) has developed over the last few years, Te Russian Maritime Register of Shipping has highlighted the need for a consistent set of rules and services to cover major aspects of Arctic ship design and operation


programme continual ly includes ice-related topics that it explores along with key Russian R&D centres. “Some of our latest projects include


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the research of ice loads acting on propeller blades in ice conditions. If the blade breaks on a ship in the icebreaker- lead convoy it always leads to time and cost issues, not to mention the danger of ship damage by ice,” says Maxim Boyko, head of RS Research Department. Boyko explains that this is why


the class society is developing its rules with close attention to modern calculation technologies and model testing of propeller blades. RS has elaborated rule requirements to determine the minimum dimensions of propeller blades and minimum required propulsion power based on typical load scenarios applicable to Arctic navigation. Another important topic that it has


investigated is related to the scope of hull and machinery survey, which is one of the main class society objectives. In reality, the number of critical hull damages that can occur in ice is quite stochastic; and it depends on actual ice conditions that vary significantly both in short-term and long-term perspectives. “On top of that, we are always under


the influence of human factors in the Arctic; the operational regimes there require special skills, and generally, some small damage that does not lead to ship safety diminution is normal navigational practice”, he explains. However, RS says that the significant


damage and side shell thickness diminution due to abrasion with ice should be observed and assessed against its class requirements. In


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Maxim Boyko, head of the RS Research Department explains that the Yamal project offers a “unique” view on applying ice class rules


or this reason The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) says that its research


RS is currently working on the model testing of propeller blades


this respect the result of the research would be to seek the opportunity to optimise the required number of dry docking surveys and to identify the additional safety measures that should be implemented to ensure the safety of the structure. As an example of this, a special side shell protective coating should be provided. Rule development for newbuildings


is also a very important topic in the class society’s research programme. “In this sense, we learn a lot from our experience gained during the Yamal Project. It is a unique feedback and unique data we gain by applying ice class rules to high ice class LNG carriers of non-conventional hull form and dimensions that help us to expand our knowledge into non-conventional Arctic ships,” explains Boyko. The research includes the application


of high-tensile steels in extremely cold conditions, winterisation of deck equipment, and the implementation of different structural design solutions. NA


The Naval Architect January 2015


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