EuropeOffshoreOperations

Danish AHTS becomes first vessel to gain IMO Polar Code approval

The AHTS Magne Viking has become the first ship ruled to be in compliance with the new IMO Polar Code. The vessel, owned by Viking Supply Ships, gained approval from DNV GL and the Danish Maritime Authority.

“As this vessel was already winterised 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” commented Andreas Kjøl, project director at Viking Supply Ships.

The IMO Polar Code is mandatory for all SOLAS vessels entering Arctic and Antarctic waters after January 1 next year.

The director general and CEO of the Danish Shipowners’ Association, Anne Steffensen, said: “The first vessel to comply with the IMO Polar Code is an important first step in opening up the Arctic region commercially. The fact that the first certified vessel is flying the Danish flag comes as no surprise. A number of Danish shipowners have a strong focus on the development of the Arctic and have experience navigating in the region.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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