Primorsk names first ship built to LRs winterisation rules

The first vessel built to comprehensive new global standards for ice-class vessels was unveiled when the Primorsk Shipping Corporation (PRISCO) named the Prisco Alexandra, a 51,000 dwt product tanker built in Korea to rules developed by LloydӮs Register.

Prisco Alexandra, the first of seven sisterships being built for PRISCO at STX Shipbuilding yard in Jinhae, was built to a new winterisation 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.

”±We are proud to witness the naming of Prisco Alexandra and the first application of our market-leading winterisation notation,”± says Luis Benito, Country Manager — Korea, Lloyd”Æs Register Asia. ”°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 winterisation notations provide clear guidance for all parties.”

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”Æs Technical Department, having a more comprehensive set of common winterisation rules helps to streamline the process of establishing, with groups such as chartering companies, international oil firms, insurance organisations and port authorities, whether a vessel is technically equipped to trade in -25¢? temperatures.

”°We believe that being the first to build to this class notation is only the first step. Eventually, all oil companies, charterers, flag and port authorities and terminal operators working in Arctic waters will realise the importance of the proper winterisation of vessels,”± says Globenko. ”°This co-operation between class and owner, between theoretical and practical people, has promoted the development of a very practical tool that is useful to all parties and safer for those at sea.”±

The new notation, known as Winterisation ӨDӮ (-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. And with shipowners having to sail to increasingly remote areas to source and deliver the raw materials that are required to fuel global energy demands, establishment of the rules is well-timed.

”°As the first ship ever built to our winterisation rules, the Prisco Alexandra will serve as a testament to the potential of quality relationships. We worked very closely with PRISCO to bring these rules to the market at precisely the right time for the marine industry,”± says Benito. ”°It is our business to support the construction of vessels. So it is also important to recognise the contribution of STX Shipbuilding, whose employees were innovative and responsive enough to adapt to the new requirements for the construction of these ships.”±

STX is expected to deliver to PRISCO four more of the precedent-setting product tankers next year, with the final two units expected in 2010. The first vessel is expected to undergo sea trials this week.