Arctic Shipping
Polar Class vessels have been designed, built, and equipped to allow them to navigate safely in ice-covered waters. Depending on their classification, vessels can operate during certain times of the year when the right ice conditions are present.
There is a new Ship Safety Bulletin under review outlining the policy for application of the IACS Polar Rules.
| 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 multi-year 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 |