International classification society Bureau Veritas has published new rules for Polar Class vessels and specific guidance on ice/structure interaction. The rules are aimed at speeding Arctic and Caspian Sea oil and gas development by facilitating the building of tank, cargo and offshore service vessels which can operate unsupported by icebreakers in very heavy ice. The guidance note aims to facilitate floating LNG and oil platform construction in high Arctic conditions. According to Philippe Baumans, director of development, Bureau Veritas, “BV’s new ‘Rules for the Classification of Polar Class and Icebreaker Ships,’ bring together for the first time the requirements for icebreakers and the requirements for Polar Class cargo and other service vessels such as oilfield support vessels.