1st Ship Built to Lloyd’s Winterization Rule

The first vessel built to new global standards for ice-class vessels was unveiled on Nov. 10 when the Primorsk Shipping Corporation (PRISCO) named the MV Prisco Alexandra, a 51,000 deadweight-tonne product tanker built in Korea to rules developed by Lloyd’s Register.
 
Prisco Alexandra, the first of seven sisterships being built for PRISCO at STX Shipbuilding Corp’s yard in Jinhae, was built to a new winterization notation that dramatically extends the coverage of current standards beyond basic hull structures to include the products and equipment that are essential for safe and reliable operations in frigid temperatures.
 
“There is a growing requirement for our clients to operate vessels in the harsh conditions of the Arctic, so it is essential to have clear and comprehensive minimum standards of performance to protect seafarers and the delicate marine environments in which they operate. These winterization notations provide clear guidance for all parties," says Luis Benito, Country Manager -- Korea, Lloyd’s Register Asia.
 
PRISCO was instrumental in the formation of the new rules, making available the experience and knowledge accumulated by all of its employees during the more than 35 years that the company has been operating in cold and extreme climates.
 
According to Konstantin Globenko, the Director of PRISCO’s Technical Department, having a more comprehensive set of common winterization rules helps to streamline the process of establishing -- with groups such as chartering companies, international oil firms, insurance organizations and port authorities – whether a vessel is technically equipped to trade in -25˚ temperatures.
 
The new notation, known as Winterization ‘D’ (-25), covers everything from the paints used in ballast tanks and the sealing materials for valves to the location of water heaters, store rooms and steam lines.
 
STX is expected to deliver to PRISCO four more of the product tankers next year, with the final two units expected in 2010. The first vessel is expected to undergo sea trials this week.

(www.lr.org)