The Standard P&I Club informs that the winter navigation season has reportedly been announced in the ports of Nikolaev, Dnepro-Bugskiy, Mariupol, Taganrog, Rostov-on-Don, Yeysk, Azov and Kherson.
Navigation with an ice-breaker convoy is a compulsory requirement for ships without ice class. The application is made to the relevant Harbour Master, and the decision to permit the ship for navigation is taken on a case-by-case basis.
A combination of factors are taken into account in the application process, such as:
- Year built
- Tonnage
- Classification Society
- Main engine power
- Type of propeller – e.g. fixed or controllable pitched
- Radio navigation equipment
- Actual draft
- Type and quantity of cargo on board
- Bunkering and stores on board
The Club advises ships planning to call at these ports to seek local advice on the requirements for ice navigation and take into consideration the following:
- Masters are usually asked to provide written confirmation that they are familiar with ice conditions and will follow the ice-breaker at their own risk
- There may be a period of days waiting time for the convoy
- Ships on departure must have bunkering and stores for a set minimum number of days, depending on the port
Source: The Standard P&I Club
