Navigating the Baltic: Preventing Ice Damage to Non-Ice Classed Vessels



Ice damage to vessels, particularly non – ice classed vessels, operating in the Baltic Sea in the first few months of most years. Inexperience in ice operations, encountering thicker ice than expected or failure to prepare for or understand the operating environment can all lead to damage occurring.
Charter Parties and Insurance arrangements, with particular regard to the International Navigation Limits have a key part to play in any decision for wintertime trading in the Baltic Sea. Once the decision has been taken to undertake such a voyage preparations have to be made on board:
Meteorological information – this isn’t just about sea ice. Due consideration should be given to the development of ice accretion and what, if it develops, this will mean for the ability of the vessel to operate mooring winches, machinery for cargo operations etc. Ice Accretion is defined by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute as follows : “Ice accretion at sea involves the build-up of frozen sea water on ships. As soon as the sea surface temperature drops below +4° C, spray and waves can form ice on the deck and superstructures. The ice that forms can increase the weight of a ship by hundreds of tons. As the ice grows, the ship’s centre of gravity may be raised, making it catastrophically unstable. As well as affecting the ship’s weight, this shield of ice makes it more difficult to steer the ship and may even lead to equipment failure.”

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute and the Finnish Meteorological Institute are valuable resources offering free and easily understood ice reports. Ice charts can be accessed at www.baltice.org, a single access point for reliable and up-to-date information on winter navigation in the Baltic Sea region. Baltice also provides links to up-to-date reporting procedures, comprehensive ice navigation instructions from the Swedish and Finnish authorities, as well as provides more comprehensive checklists for preparation before entering ice-covered waters.
- Some onboard preparations – matters that need to be considered include:
- Arrangements for Ice Breaker services
- Arrangements for embarkation of Ice Pilots
- Thorough passage planning
- Appropriate use of low suctions for sea water cooling in ice
- Appropriate submerging of the propellor to avoid ice contact
- Cold weather preparations on board
- Consideration of draught and trim to keep propeller submerged
When operating in ice the Master and the Bridge Team need to be properly aware of what their vessel is capable of and exercise prudence when operating in ice. The temptation to push on into ice beyond the capability of the vessel can lead to damage. It is better to stop and await assistance.
Damage can occur at any point of operating in ice usually through impact to the shell plating. Propellors and, to a lesser extent, rudders can also be vulnerable to ice damage, particularly when operating astern in ice. This can result in deformation of propellor blades.
Whilst the guidance of Ice Pilots is recommended for inexperienced ice navigators Master's still need to familiarise themselves with requirements. The following should be considered:
- The vessel’s Safety Management System should contain guidance on operations in ice.
- Relevant checklists should be available and followed.
- Briefings should be undertaken so all crew are aware of requirements.
- Master / Pilot Exchanges should take place as normal with Ice Pilots.
- Log Book entries should be detailed and thorough, particularly with regard to encountering and / or operating in ice.
- Whilst the Polar Code does not apply to the Baltic Sea it contains useful guidance.
It should be remembered that other mechanisms of damage do not cease to be an issue just because a vessel is operating in ice. For example in open pack ice it is completely reasonable to navigate the vessel so as to remain in open water avoiding ice floes. This may become the overall focus and equal priorities, such as the requirements of the passage plan and risks of collision, allision or grounding, forgotten.
In circumstances where ice damage has occurred Van Ameyde has surveyors throughout North Europe who are able to examine, report and advise on requirements to repair such damage or comment on it’s likely effect on the vessel’s performance. A thorough understanding of Classification Society rules, particularly with regard to propellor cropping and / or repair, along with advice on costs, suitable yards and other methods of repair can be provided.