Oil Companies International Marine Forum

Shipping in the Arctic region

Growth of Arctic shipping Hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic area are estimated to represent up to 25% of the worlds undiscovered resources. The depletion of easily accessible oil and gas reservoirs elsewhere across the globe, together with improved technology, are today driving oil companies to consider moving some of their exploration activities to the Arctic region. Already, there are large oil and gas developments in the Pechora Sea, the North Slope of Alaska, the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and the Barents Sea but, with seismic and geological survey work taking place in several other Arctic regions, significant expansion of Arctic exploration is forecast for the coming years. At the same time, changes in the worlds climate is now making it possible for suitable ships to make use of previously inaccessible routes, offering potentially shorter journeys for international trade. The opening of the Northern Sea Route and the North-West Passage in the summer months could cut thousands of miles from traditional trading routes. For these and other reasons, such as tourism, there has been a significant increase in the amount of shipping activity in the Arctic region. A challenging environment for shipping Shipping operations in the Arctic present the ship operator with unique risks and considerations. Not only is the area remote, with very limited navigational and support infrastructures, but ice conditions, including multi-year ice, may be encountered all year round. With temperatures of -50C not uncommon in the Arctic, exposure risks to Northwest Passage 8700 miles vs 9300 miles personnel, together with failure risks to the hulls and equipment on board, are high if not managed correctly and professionally. The part played by OCIMF OCIMF members are committed to ensuring the safe operation of tankers in Arctic areas and the maintenance of high standards of safety and environmental protection. The ICE sub-committee, reporting to the General Purposes Committee, provides members, operators of tankers and marine facilities with a forum for open discussion and sharing of best practices relating to Northern Route 7350 miles vs 11,250 miles

A voice for safety

Shipping in the Arctic region

the challenges of operating and navigating safely in ice. It is an active committee, whose members provide guidance to OCIMF members, charterers and vetting groups and contribute to the work of IMO. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is currently working on the development of a Polar Code which will introduce mandatory provisions to regulate and ensure the safety of shipping in polar waters which include both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The code, currently in draft form, will also constitute a major step forward in the protection of the marine environment. The ICE sub-committee plays an important contributing role in the development of this code. In addition, and in order to promote and maintain safety and environment protection, the ICE subcommittee has published two important documents for the benefit of OCIMF members and industry. These provide up-to-date guidance to OCIMF members and chartering and vetting groups on best practice relating to the safe operation of

tankers and encourage high standards of environmental protection in the Baltic and also in the wider Arctic areas*. Briefing Paper for OCIMF Member Chartering and Vetting Groups (Shipping Operations in the Arctic Region). The use of Large Tankers in Seasonal First Year Ice and Severe Sub-Zero Conditions The issues covered by these documents vary from advice on ice conditions, iceclass notations, engine power and the winterisation of ships, to checklists of factors that should be considered in conducting formal risk assessments. The guidance is practical, for instance on operating with icebreaker support in ice or operating alongside offshore terminals, and is based on the operational experience of a wide range of OCIMF members. Both documents offer important guidance on tanker operation and environmental protection. Where appropriate, they also direct members and charterers to useful related websites which deal with ice certification and permissions, routeing, latest ice maps and ice-breaker assistance.

Looking ahead The anticipated growth in Arctic oil exploration and shipping is driving technological change, both as it relates to improving and extending our ability to operate successfully in Arctic conditions, and in the management of the risks associated with these operations. For OCIMF members, these technological changes are leading to adaptations in the design of tankers and terminals to adequately meet the changing challenges. These, in turn, require changes in safety management and environmental protection systems to ensure that they keep pace with the developing capabilities of vessels, terminals and systems. Against this background, and taking account of any new political, economic or regulatory developments, OCIMFs ICE sub-committee members expect to produce new and/or updated guidance for operators and charterers in future years. They remain committed to ensuring that members have access to the very latest guidance and best practice on Arctic shipping operations.
* These documents are available to OCIMF members on application to the OCIMF Secretariat or via the OCIMF website www.ocimf.com. Such was the interest in document 2 above that it has now been made publicly available in hardback.

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