This issue of Arctic Update provides a fascinating glimpse into DNV’s experience record in the field of Arctic Technology from the 1800s to the present day.
DNV’s class rules issued in 1881 stipulated that “in all vessels that may have to steam through ice, the frames at the extreme forepart are to be closer than here directed, or some sufficient additional strengthening of the vessel’s forepart must be adopted.” In 1911 the polar ship Fram, the strongest wooden vessel in the world, enabled Amundsen to reach the South Pole ahead of the competition.
In 1932, DNV introduced the first special requirements for ships intended for operation in ice-covered waters. These rules applied to increased scantlings of frames, plates and stringers given as a percentage increase (15% to 25%) above normal class rules. In 1960, DNV introduced new rules for ice classes in conformity with the established Finnish-Swedish ice regulations. The first requirements for icebreakers were introduced in 1962 with the Norwegian class notations Isbryter (Icebreaker) and Polarisbryter (Polar Icebreaker).
From 1978 to 1981, DNV was heavily engaged in a joint research project on Marine Structures and Ships in Ice sponsored by 21 Norwegian and one Swedish company. The project was intended to improve the understanding and knowledge of ice mechanics, Arctic ice conditions and the methods and tools for predicting ice loads on ships and offshore structures. From 1980 to 1985, DNV had a strong focus on research, rule development and consulting work, mainly carried out from the DNV office in Calgary. The DNV rules developed at that time still form the basis of the Arctic, ICE and Polar Class rules in force today.
In recent times, DNV’s Arctic research and consulting activities have diversified to a major extent and the geographic regions offer an interesting range of specialised services: our Greenland office is engaged in shipping, mining certification and offshore-related services; the Houston office is conducting studies on relief well drilling in the Beaufort Sea; and the Aberdeen office is involved in design guidelines for Arctic pipelines.
DNV Research and Innovation at Høvik established an Arctic programme in 2007 to use this historical experience as a basis for further work together with partners from international research institutes, universities and industries. Our aim is to become a leading provider of knowledge and techniques for the management of risk in energy production and transportation throughout the Arctic. Current research activities span such topics as marine icing, the effects of climate change and the harmonisation of HSE standards for the Barents Sea. One of our current Joint Industry Projects on design guidelines for ice loads has 22 sponsors in 11 countries.
As for myself, I am looking forward to retiring after almost 40 years of Arctic research and consulting activities (10 at DNV). I am handing over the controls to a young and talented team who I hope will be involved in an equally interesting range of Arctic projects in the future – I am convinced that prospects look as bright now as they did in 1971!
Dr. Gus Cammaert, Programme Director, Arctic Technology, DNVRI