Risk assessment
Before shipowners trade in these harsh environments, a comprehensive Risk Assessment should be completed. This should be accompanied by a Gap Analysis and action plan to ensure that necessary safety barriers are implemented to efficiently mitigate all identified risks. This may include procedural amendments, structural modifications and additional training. The Risk Assessment should consider the following (not to be deemed exhaustive):
Expected ice
conditions Importantly, the crew needs to receive up to date weather information, including details on the extent of ice development in the area. Subsequently, the crew should be capable of analysing the information to then comprehend the progression of the ice development and assess how current weather conditions might impact it.
To determine the operational boundaries of the ship when navigating near ice, it is important to consult with the ship’s classification society. Shipowners’ operational procedures must address decisions around ice conditions and if they surpass the ship’s design, emphasising the Master’s ultimate authority.
Local
Requirements According to Britannia, the crew must be adequately informed of any and all local requirements that apply. This includes the need for ice breaker assistance in certain winter periods, restrictions on docking/ undocking during darkness and any additional equipment that may be required during ice passages, such as search lights. Additionally, the ship should have any local guides or other publications for navigating in ice and/or operating in extreme cold areas on board.
Manoeuvring
Consideration should be given to the impact surrounding drifting ice, bergy waters and between floes. Astern manoeuvres in ice exposes the most vulnerable parts of the ship and should therefore be given extra consideration before attempted. Shipowners’ operational procedures should contain guidance for manoeuvring in, or in the proximity of hazardous ice. The guidance should consider entering an ice edge, the safe speed for various grades of ice conditions, the use of the rudder, and its influence on the turning circle of the ship.
Navigation
When navigating in or near ice, it is advisable to have an additional lookout or navigator to assist the duty officer. Detecting ice can be challenging, especially in the dark, and search lights may be required. Adjusting radar settings is important, as ice may make a poor radar target.
The ship’s passage planning should adhere to IMO Resolution A. 893(21) Guidelines For Voyage Planning. The presence of sea ice along the planned route emphasises the importance of traditional passage planning, requiring continuous review throughout the voyage.
The publication Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters section 4.10 offers guidance on planning passages in areas with ice, which can also be applied in non-Canadian waters, especially in the absence of local guidance.
Stability
Adherence to the IMO Stability Criteria is essential, with particular attention given to the risk of superstructure icing, which could compromise the stability of the ship. Superstructure icing is influenced by various factors such as meteorological conditions, condition of loading, and behaviour of the ship in stormy weather.
The Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters section 4.3.1 provides further advice on icing and precautions to minimise the development of superstructure icing.
Cargo care
Attention should be given to the correct ventilation of the cargo during voyage, applying the commonly used practices of the Dew Point or Three Degree Rule. The cargo hold ventilation system should be able to operate in adverse weather conditions, considering potential snow or ice intake.
Consult the Classification Society and maker to ensure that the hatch covers can be operated in low temperatures. All hatch cover securing components should be maintained to prevent jamming in cold weather. Hatch cover gaskets should be suitable for extreme cold temperatures and prevent water from affecting their sealing ability. As a reminder, hose testing of hatch covers cannot be conducted in sub-zero temperatures. The ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in low Temperature Environments section 4.6 and 6.3 provides further guidance for Bulk Carriers.
Deck/machinery equipment
Shipowners should ensure that all equipment is accessible and functional during the anticipated weather conditions and always consider the possibility of conditions being more severe than predicted. The equipment makers should be consulted to determine suitability of the equipment for cold weather and any special maintenance requirements. The classification society may also need to be consulted if any modifications are necessary.
THE REPORT | MAR 2024 | ISSUE 107 | 101
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