Maritime Glossary
Ice Class
Also known as: polar class, ice strengthening, winterization
A classification notation indicating the degree to which a vessel has been designed and strengthened to operate in sea ice.
Status: ActiveVerified: Source confidence: high (95%)
Full Definition
Ice class notations are assigned by classification societies (e.g., DNV ICE-1A*, Finnish-Swedish ICE Class, IACS Polar Class PC1–PC7). They specify structural reinforcement of the hull, bow form, propulsion power margins, and winterisation of deck equipment and systems. PC1 denotes year-round operation in thick multi-year ice; PC7 is for thin first-year ice. The IMO Polar Code (2017) sets minimum requirements for ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters and introduces a Ship Polar Certificate.
Domain Tags
vessel typesnavigationregulation