The Harmonization of Polar Shipping Requirements

An unprecedented international initiative is underway to develop a comprehensive system to enhance the safety of all aspects of ship operations in polar waters. This involves a working group of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and another from the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), developing IMO Guidelines and a parallel set of classification society Unified Requirements. This paper presents an overview of the process, and describes some of the key issues for the various countries, industries, and other players involved in the process.