Cruise Ship MS Bremen Certified to Polar Code

 

MS Bremen was awarded Polar Code certification by classification society DNV GL following a two-year long phase of intense preparation, leading the way for all other ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet which are also due to meet the Polar Code requirements by the Arctic season in 2018.

 

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) – adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) –  contains regulations concerning the ships’ construction, equipment and training of their crews that intend to operate in the polar regions. The regulations aim to increase the safety of ships and pay greater attention to environmental protection.

 

“The Polar Code will improve the safety of navigation in polar waters significantly. We have taken a pioneering step in certifying the Bremen and paved the way for the other ships in the fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to comply with the Polar Code,” said Captain Thilo Natke, who oversaw the certification process for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Natke prepared a Polar Water Operational Manual that will, in particular, familiarize younger officers with the ship-specific particularities of navigating in ice.

 

Certain technical modifications must be carried out on board the ships for them to meet the requirements of the Polar Code. For instance, fire lines located on deck were fitted with additional insulation and an additional ice spotlight was installed when the Bremen was in dock in October 2016. A range of extra equipment has also been sourced to ensure the survival of passengers and crew members in potential emergencies in the polar regions. During 2017, as part of their routine dry-dock periods in the shipyard, the other ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet will also be brought in line with the criteria of the certificate in order that they meet the requirements of the Polar Code at the latest by the Arctic season in 2018 and are able to operate in the regions successfully.

 

Bremen will operate three international cruises during the 2018/2019 season, including sailing to the North East Passage in the Summer of 2018.