Magne Viking becomes first vessel to comply with IMO Polar Code approved by DNV GL
Press release
After a successful survey, DNV GL and the Danish Maritime Authority confirm that the AHTS Magne Viking, owned by Viking Supply Ships A/S, is in compliance with the new IMO Polar Code.
“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” says Morten Mejlænder Larsen, responsible for the Arctic and Polar activities in DNV GL Maritime.
Based on long experience from Arctic operations in low temperatures and ice covered waters, Viking Supply Ships saw the value in and decided early to implement the IMO Polar Code. The process has included updates of vessel and equipment as well as providing the required documentation.
“As this vessel was already winterized and built for operation in cold climate, most of the additional requirements in the Polar Code were already fulfilled before we started the implementation process” says Andreas Kjøl, Project Director at Viking Supply Ships.
The IMO Polar Code is mandatory for all SOLAS vessel entering Arctic and Antarctic waters after 1st January 2017. The Code is an add-on to existing IMO codes where the main requirements are related to safety (SOLAS) and protection of the environment (MARPOL). DNV GL will, on behalf of the Flag Authorities, issue the Polar Ship Certificate for vessels complying with the new code.
As a result of less ice and easier access to polar waters, IMO saw the need for a common set of minimum requirements for vessels going to operate in these areas not covered by other regulations. In addition to shipping along the traditional sea routes, increased shipping to support the oil and gas industry, export of minerals and cruise initiated IMOs work with the code.
The main additional risks identified when operating in polar waters are addressed in the IMO Polar Code and the different chapters describe different measures to mitigate these risks.
For further information please contact:
Jan L. Steffensen, COO, ph. +45 41 77 83 83, e-mail jan.steffensen@vikingsupply.com
Morten G. Aggvin, IR & Treasury Director, ph. +47 41 04 71 25, e-mail ir@vikingsupply.com
Viking Supply Ships AB (publ) is a Swedish company with headquarter in Gothenburg, Sweden. Viking Supply Ships A/S is a subsidiary of Viking Supply Ships AB (publ). In addition Viking Supply Ships AB (publ) has the subsidiary TransAtlantic AB. The operations are focused on offshore and icebreaking primarily in Arctic and subarctic areas as well as shipping services between the Baltic Sea and the Continent. The company has in total about 500 employees and the turnover in 2014 was MSEK 3,190. The company’s B-shares are listed on the NASDAQ Stockholm, Small Cap segment. For further information, please visit: www.vikingsupply.com
