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The first meeting of the Arctic Council’s Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum

This meeting took place 5-6 June 2017 at Lloyd’s Register Office, 71 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BS

Documents:

Meeting summary	Meeting agenda	Registrations
Meeting report (Final)	Meeting agenda (Final)	List of registration (Final)

The purpose of the Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum is to support effective implementation of the Polar Code by making publicly available at a web portal hyperlinks to information relevant to all those involved in safe and environmentally sound Arctic shipping, including vessels owners/operators, regulators, classification societies, marine insurers, and indigenous and local communities.

Examples of information that the planned web portal would hyperlink to are:
• Arctic Voyage Planning Guides (e.g., Canada’s Arctic Voyage Planning Guide);
• Sea ice information (e.g., U.S. National Ice Center’s Current Daily Ice Analysis);
• Marine insurance guidance (e.g., UK P&I Club’s Arctic Shipping: P&I Insurance FAQ);
• Industry guidelines for safe operations (e.g., the Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators Wildlife Guidelines);

Information Papers submitted
Insurance industry - position paper	Download
AECO Information paper	Download
WWF/CCU Submission	Download
ESA Polar Code Decision Support System	Download
Arctic Coast Guard Forum	Download
Navigation in Ice - The Natutical Institute	Download
Danish Maritime Authority - Information Paper	Download
ICC - Arctic Shipping Forum Information Paper	Download
International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG) / JCOMM Expert Team on Sea Ice (ETSI) - Information Paper	Download
A summary of how IALA expects to advance safe and environmental sound Arctic navigation and suggested information to be considered for the Information Forum web portal.	Download
USA - Example of hyperlinks	Download
WMO - Information Paper	Download

Presentations from the meeting
Arctic States: Denmark	Download
Permanent Participants/Indigenous Peoples: ICC	Download
Arctic Council Observers: Republic of Korea	Download
Industry: Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators	Download
Intergovernmental Organizations: International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities	Download

IMO video: The Polar Code explained

https://pame.is/administrator/index.php?option=com_eventbooking&view=events


ABOUT THE FORUM	POLAR CODE CHAPTERS: EXPLANATION AND SUBMISSIONS
The establishment of the Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum is in response to the newly adopted International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The aim of the Forum is to raise awareness of its provisions amongst all those involved in or potentially affected by Arctic marine operations and to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices between the Forum participants on specific shipping topics, including but not limited to; hydrography, search and rescue logistics, industry guidelines and ship equipment, systems and structure. The Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum has created the following publicly accessible web-portal where Participants of the Forum have submitted information that can be used when considering their operations in accordance with the Polar Code. Forum participation is open to Arctic States, Permanent Participants and Arctic Council Observers as well as any widely-recognized professional organization dedicated to improving safe and environmentally sound marine operations in the Arctic as demonstrated by expertise and experience in Arctic shipping and/or related issues. In addition to information provided by Forum participants, under the specific chapters of the Polar Code, highlighted on this site, Arctic State Administrations (Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States of America) have provided guidance for Arctic operations. PAME approved the Forum's Terms of Reference in 2017. Disclaimer: Although Forum participants strive to ensure that the links selected for this Web portal reflect authoritative, accurate and current information, neither the Arctic States, the Arctic Council or the PAME Working Group make any guarantees about the information and disclaim any and all liability for errors or omissions the links may contain.	Part IA - Safety Measures Part IA - Safety Measures Chapter 1: General Chapter 2: Polar Water Operation Manual Chapter 3: Ship structure Chapter 4: Subdivision and stability Chapter 5: Watertight and weathertight integrity Chapter 6: Machinery installations Chapter 7: Fire safety/Protection Chapter 8: Life saving appliances and arrangements Chapter 9: Safety of navigation Chapter 10: Communication Chapter 11: Voyage planning Chapter 12: Manning and training Polar Code Part IB Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures Polar Code Part II B CONTACT Contact Forum Organizers OTHER INFORMATION Operational Documents Other information IMO Polar Code Videos

CHAPTER SUMMARY

This additional guidance advises operators on the selection of stern tube lubricants, such as non-toxic biodegradable lubricants or water-based systems, and makes structural and engineering suggestions.

Additionally, there is guidance on the application of ballast water treatment, including taking into account operations of ballast water management systems at low temperatures for the prevention of transfer of invasive aquatic species.
There is also guidance on anti-fouling coating capability\ies in polar ice operations to minimize the risk of invasive aquatic species transfers via biofouling.

For full text of Part II B Additional Guidance see below.

SUBMISSIONS

Friends of the Earth International

Hyperlink 1: https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/MEPC-72-INF.7-An-assessment-of-ballast-water-treatment-to-protect-Arctic-waters-FOEI.pdf
This is an assessment of ballast water treatment to protect Arctic waters. This document offers in the annex a comprehensive analysis of shipboard ballast water management system performance, based on available data.

Hyperlink 2: https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/MEPC-73-INF.24-Vessel-biofouling-and-bioinvasions-in-Arctic-waters-FOEI.pdf
This is a paper on vessel biofouling and bioinvasions in Arctic waters. Friends of the Earth offers an independent report, set forth in the annex, that provides findings and recommendations concerning vessel coatings and the protection of Arctic waters from bioinvasions.

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

Hyperlink 1: Northern Sea Route – Best practices and Challenges (2017)
For Part IIB, see pages 3-4, and 14.

Hyperlink 2: Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice and or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures in Artic and Sub Artic regions (2014).

In addition:

We have also published a book through Witherby Seamanship: The use of large tankers in Seasonal First Year Ice and Severe sub-Zero conditions. (2010), however this has to be purchased this can be purchased for £125 at http://www.witherbyseamanship.com/large-tanker-sub-zero-ice-1.html.
Other information papers from OCIMF: https://www.ocimf.org/library/information-papers/

PAME

Hyperlink: https://pame.is/images/03_Projects/RRFP/Final_report_on_the_Regional_Reception_Facilities_plan_and_draft_submission_for_IMO.pdf
The Regional Waste Management Strategies for Arctic Shipping (RRFP) paper summarizes the work of PAME’s Regional Reception Facilities Experts Group (RRFGEG), on the development of the concept of regional arrangements for MARPOL reception facilities (RRF) to address challenges for Arctic shipping and at Arctic ports. This paper includes proposals for the development of regional ship’s waste management strategies with the goal of 100% compliance with IMO’s MARPOL Convention and Polar Code Amendments to MARPOL.

WWF Global Arctic Programme

Hyperlink: www.rina.org.uk/hres/de%2054_inf_5.pdf
The issues and risk of oil discharges to sea from oil lubricated propeller shafts. Considering the IMO Arctic as defined under the Polar Code is 0 discharge re oil and oily mixtures we believe that this should be address and that there are easy cost-effective mechanisms to address this.
There are now several suppliers of sea water-based systems for stern tube lubrication and we believe this should be recommended in order to meet the standards as required in the Polar Code IIA Chapter 1

Please see the attached DNV report, the relevant parts are on page 1 and page 16.

PART II B: ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE REGARDING THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTRODUCTION AND PART II-A: Full Polar Code text
As adopted from IMO - Full Polar Code text

PART IIB: Full Polar Code text

Additional guidance to chapter 1

1.1 Ships are encouraged to apply regulation 43 of MARPOL Annex I when operating in Arctic waters.
1.2 Non-toxic biodegradable lubricants or water-based systems should be considered in lubricated components located outside the underwater hull with direct seawater interfaces, like shaft seals and slewing seals.

Additional guidance to chapter 2
Category A and B ships, constructed on or after 1 January 2017 and certified to carry noxious liquid substances (NLS), are encouraged to carry NLS identified in chapter 17, column e, as ship type 3 or identified as NLS in chapter 18 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, in tanks separated from the outer shell by a distance of not less than 760 mm.

Additional guidance to chapter 5
In order to minimize the risks associated with animal cargo mortalities, consideration should be given to how animal carcasses will be managed, treated, and stored on board when ships carrying such cargo are operating in polar waters. Reference is made in particular to the 2012 Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V (resolution MEPC.219(63), as amended by resolution MEPC.239(65)) and the 2012 Guidelines for the development of garbage management plans (resolution MEPC.220(63)).

Additional guidance under other environmental conventions and guidelines

4.1 Until the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments enters into force, the ballast water management provisions of the ballast water exchange standard, set out in regulation D-1, or the ballast water performance standard, set out in regulation D-2 of the Convention should be considered as appropriate. The provisions of the Guidelines for ballast water exchange in the Antarctic treaty area (resolution MEPC.163(56)) should be taken into consideration along with other relevant guidelines developed by the Organization.
4.2 In selecting the ballast water management system, attention should be paid to limiting conditions specified in the appendix of the Type Approval Certificate and the temperature under which the system has been tested, in order to ensure its suitability and effectiveness in polar waters.
4.3 In order to minimize the risk of invasive aquatic species transfers via biofouling, measures should be considered to minimize the risk of more rapid degradation of anti-fouling coatings associated with polar ice operations. Reference is made in particular to the 2011 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (resolution MEPC.207(62)).

Table: Example of matters related to anti-fouling systems taken into consideration by some ice-going ships (this table is used by some operators of ice-going ships)

	Hull	Sea chest
Year round operation in ice-covered polar waters		Abrasion resistant coating. Compliant with the AFS Convention. Thickness of anti-fouling system to be decided by shipowner.
Intermittent operation in ice-covered polar waters	Abrasion resistant low friction ice coating. In sides, above bilge keel, max thickness of anti-fouling system 75 µm, to protect hull between application of anti-fouling system and next anticipated voyage to ice-covered waters. In bottom area thickness to be decided by shipowner. Composition of anti-fouling system should also be decided by the shipowner.	Compliant with the AFS Convention. Thickness of anti-fouling system to be decided by shipowner.
Category B and C vessels	Compliant with the AFS Convention. Thickness of antifouling system to be decided by shipowner.	Compliant with the AFS Convention. Thickness of anti-fouling system to be decided by shipowner.

POLAR CODE CHAPTERS: EXPLANATION AND SUBMISSIONS

Part IA - Safety Measures

Chapter 1: General
Chapter 2: Polar Water Operation Manual
Chapter 3: Ship structure
Chapter 4: Subdivision and stability
Chapter 5: Watertight and weathertight integrity
Chapter 6: Machinery installations
Chapter 7: Fire safety/Protection
Chapter 8: Life saving appliances and arrangements
Chapter 9: Safety of navigation
Chapter 10: Communication
Chapter 11: Voyage planning
Chapter 12: Manning and training

Polar Code Part IB

Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures

Polar Code Part II B

CHAPTER SUMMARY

In addition to the existing MARPOL Annex V requirements, this chapter imposes stringent additional requirements on the discharge of various substances, such as food waste. This includes important geographical delimitations. The Chapter contains a total prohibition on the discharge of garbage other than food waste. Procedures must be recorded in the Garbage Record Book, Garbage Management Plan, and the placards as required by MARPOL Annex V and additional guidance.

Additional Guidance for Chapter 2 (Part II-B)
Additional guidance is provided for the carriage and storage of animal carcasses in polar waters. See full text of additional guidance.

SUBMISSIONS

DNV GL

Friends of the Earth International

Lloyd's Register

Hyperlink 1: The Polar Code: A Regulatory Interpretation Guide
This document provides Loyd's Register guidance on all aspects of the Polar Code (chapter by chapter). For Part IIA Chapter 5, see pages 81 to 82.

Hyperlink 2: Meeting the Polar Code on 1 January 2017: Guidance for Existing Ships (Part IIA)
This document includes information on what steps operators need to take to ensure compliance when operating in polar waters on or after 1 January 2017, when the Polar Code entered into force.

Lloyd's website

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

Hyperlink 1: Northern Sea Route – Best practices and Challenges (2017)
For Chapter 5, see pages 3-4, and 14.

Hyperlink 2: Offshore Vessel Operations In Ice and or Severe Sub Zero Temperatures in Artic and Sub Artic regions (2014).
The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to operators and charterers of offshore support vessels employed for use in areas impacted by ice or severe sub-zero temperatures with the aim of encouraging high standards of safety and environmental protection for those operating in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions.

USCG Maritime Information Exchange

Hyperlink: https://cgmix.uscg.mil/MARPOL/Default.aspx
The purpose of the Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange (CGMIX) website is to make Coast Guard maritime information available on the public internet in the form of searchable databases. For Ships Operating in the US Arctic and Near Arctic the CGMIX Public Database includes a link to MARPOL Servicing Facilities.

This online searchable database contains a listing of all U.S. Ports and Terminals holding valid MARPOL Certificates of Adequacy (COAs). Ships operating in the Arctic are subject to additional restrictions relating to discharges of Annex I Oil/Oily residue, Annex II Noxious Liquid Substances, Annex V Garbage including food waste, and Annex VI Ozone Depleting Substances and Stack Scrubber residues. U.S. Ports and Terminals are issued Certificates of Adequacy (COAs) as evidence that their facilities meet the requirements of Annexes I, II, and V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Adequate port reception facilities (PRF) at Arctic and near Arctic ports and terminals are meant to ensure ships can comply with enhanced restrictions on discharges from ships to the sea outlined in the Polar Code. US MARPOL regulations are further detailed in 33 CFR Part158. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/33cfr158_06.html

Additional resources include: -The World Port Index published by the (US) National Geospatial Agency which provides Marine Safety Information on ports and terminals around the world. This publication gives the location, characteristics, known facilities, and available services of a great many ports and shipping facilities and oil terminals throughout the world and can be downloaded as a PDF document. The data is arranged geographically and is keyed to the applicable Volume of the Sailing Directions and shown on a chart. https://msi.nga.mil/MSISiteContent/StaticFiles/NAV_PUBS/WPI/Pub150bk.pdf.

The IMO's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) which includes databases on pollution prevention equipment for ships and MARPOL port reception facilities. The public, searchable databases are arranged by Member States (including all eight Arctic Council states) and provide contact information for ports and terminals including those in Arctic regions. Information on ships waste management in the form of IMO Guidance can be downloaded from the website for ships and PRF operators. The guidance while not specific to Arctic shipping will be useful for ship operators planning on voyaging in Arctic or near Arctic waters. (MEPC.1/Circ.834.Rev.1) in English, French and Spanish. GISIS Data Base: https://gisis.imo.org/Public/Default.aspx

Guidance (Free Download from the GISIS site): https://gisis.imo.org/Public/Shared/Public/Download.aspx?FileType=UnsecuredFile&FileCode=PRF-GUIDE

PAME

The Environment Agency of Iceland

Hyperlink: https://www.ust.is/the-environment-agency-of-iceland/
The Environment Agency operates under the direction of the Ministry for the Environment. It's role is to promote the protection as well as sustainable use of Iceland’s natural resources, as well as public welfare by helping to ensure a healthy environment, and safe consumer goods. The Agency is responsible for implementing the MARPOL convention.

PART IIA: CHAPTER 5 – PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY GARBAGE FROM SHIPS: Full Polar Code text
As adopted from IMO - Full Polar Code text

PART IIA: CHAPTER 5: Full Polar Code text

5.1 Definitions

5.1.1 Ice-shelf means a floating ice sheet of considerable thickness showing 2 to 50 m or more above sea-level, attached to the coast
5.1.2 Fast ice means sea ice which forms and remains fast along the coast, where it is attached to the shore, to an ice wall, to an ice front, between shoals or grounded icebergs

5.2 Operational requirements

5.2.1 In Arctic waters, discharge of garbage into the sea permitted in accordance with regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex V, shall meet the following additional requirements:
- .1 discharge into the sea of food wastes is only permitted when the ship is as far as practicable from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, but in any case not less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, nearest ice-shelf, or nearest fast ice;
- .2 food wastes shall be comminuted or ground and shall be capable of passing through a screen with openings no greater than 25 mm. Food wastes shall not be contaminated by any other garbage type;
- .3 food wastes shall not be discharged onto the ice;
- .4 discharge of animal carcasses is prohibited; and
- .5 discharge of cargo residues that cannot be recovered using commonly available methods for unloading shall only be permitted while the ship is en route and where all the following conditions are satisfied:
  - .1 cargo residues, cleaning agents or additives, contained in hold washing water do not include any substances classified as harmful to the marine environment, taking into account guidelines developed by the Organization;
  - .2 both the port of departure and the next port of destination are within Arctic waters and the ship will not transit outside Arctic waters between those ports;
  - .3 no adequate reception facilities are available at those ports taking into account guidelines developed by the Organization; and
  - .4 where the conditions of subparagraphs 5.2.1.5.1, 5.2.1.5.2 and 5.2.1.5.3 of this paragraph have been fulfilled, discharge of cargo hold washing water containing residues shall be made as far as practicable from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, but in any case not less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, nearest ice shelf, or nearest fast ice.
5.2.2 In the Antarctic area, discharge of garbage into the sea permitted in accordance with regulation 6 of MARPOL Annex V, shall meet the following additional requirements:
- .1 discharges under regulation 6.1 of MARPOL Annex V shall be as far as practicable from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, but in any case not less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest fast ice; and
- .2 food waste shall not be discharged onto ice.
5.2.3 Operation in polar waters shall be taken into account, as appropriate, in the Garbage Record Book, Garbage Management Plan and the placards as required by MARPOL Annex V.

POLAR CODE CHAPTERS: EXPLANATION AND SUBMISSIONS

Part IA - Safety Measures

Polar Code Part IB

Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures

Polar Code Part II B

Page 5 of 14

test gallery

First meeting of the Forum

Arctic Shipping Forum

Part IA - Safety Measures

Polar Code Part IB

Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures

Polar Code Part II B

Contact Forum Organizers

Operational Documents

Other information

IMO Polar Code Videos

PART IIB:

Friends of the Earth International

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

PAME

WWF Global Arctic Programme

PART IIB: Full Polar Code text

Part IA - Safety Measures

Polar Code Part IB

Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures

Polar Code Part II B

Part IIA - Pollution Prevention Measures - Chapter 5:

DNV GL

Friends of the Earth International

Lloyd's Register

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

USCG Maritime Information Exchange

PAME

The Environment Agency of Iceland

PART IIA: CHAPTER 5: Full Polar Code text

Part IA - Safety Measures

Polar Code Part IB

Polar Code Part IIA: Pollution Prevention Measures

Polar Code Part II B