Polar class
Encyclopedia
Polar class refers to the ice class
assigned to a ship
by a classification society
. A Polar class ship refers to a ship for which a Polar class has been assigned.http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/CES/Arctic/guidelines-msc-2002.pdf
In August 2006, the International Association of Classification Societies
(IACS) released a document titled the "Unified Requirements for Polar Ships" which standardized global ice classification specifications.
The IACS established seven different Polar classes, with each level representing changes with respect to the operational capability and strength of steel ships.
Ice class
Ships with an Ice Class have a strengthened hull to enable them to navigate through sea ice.-History:The first requirements for merchant ships to be escorted by icebreakers were set in Finland in 1890, after winter traffic to the port of Hanko was started. In the past, different classification...
assigned to a ship
Ship
Since the end of the age of sail a ship has been any large buoyant marine vessel. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships are used on lakes, seas, and rivers for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing,...
by a classification society
Classification society
A classification society is a non-governmental organization that establishes and maintains technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures...
. A Polar class ship refers to a ship for which a Polar class has been assigned.http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/CES/Arctic/guidelines-msc-2002.pdf
In August 2006, the International Association of Classification Societies
International Association of Classification Societies
The International Association of Classification Societies is a technically-based organization consisting of thirteen marine classification societies headquartered in London.-History:...
(IACS) released a document titled the "Unified Requirements for Polar Ships" which standardized global ice classification specifications.
The IACS established seven different Polar classes, with each level representing changes with respect to the operational capability and strength of steel ships.
| Polar class | Ice description (based on WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature) |
|---|---|
| PC 1 | Year-round operation in all Polar waters |
| PC 2 | Year-round operation in moderate multi-year ice conditions |
| PC 3 | Year-round operation in second-year ice which may include multiyear ice inclusions. |
| PC 4 | Year-round operation in thick first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |
| PC 5 | Year-round operation in medium first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |
| PC 6 | Summer/autumn operation in medium first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |
| PC 7 | Summer/autumn operation in thin first-year ice which may include old ice inclusions |