DNV GL has approved the first ship that complies with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Polar Code.
DNV GL and the Danish Maritime Authority carried out a survey that revealed the AHTS Magne Viking, owned by Viking Supply Ships, is in compliance with the IMO Polar Code. The ship is an ice-class AHTS vessel and is able to operate in harsh environments in offshore regions as well as Arctic and Sub-Arctic operations.
Thanks to the AHTS Magne Viking already having been built for operation in cold climates, most of the Polar Code requirements were already fulfilled before the implementation process properly began.
Viking Supply Ships decided to implement the Code into its ships early on, including updating ships and equipment and providing required documentation to provide evidence of compliance.
The Polar Code is mandatory for all SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) ships entering Arctic and Antarctic water from January 1, 2017. DNV GL will, on behalf of Flag Authorities, issue the Polar Ship certificate for ships complying with the new Code.
Morten Mejlænder-Larsen, responsible for Arctic and Polar activities at DNV GL – Maritime, commented: “Having followed the development of the Polar Code for some years, it is a great achievement to finally survey the first vessel to comply with the Code.”