By Dan Oldford & Ed Moakler, ABS Harsh Environment Technology Center
August 14, 2025
Since coming into force, the IMO Polar Code has had a positive effect on maritime operations in polar waters, write Dan Oldford and Ed Moakler, ABS HETC, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
What is the Polar Code, When and Why did it come into force?
Polar regions have many unique hazards compared to warmer waters around the world. Since the earliest explorers sought to explore the Arctic and Antarctic by ship, many vessels have been lost due to sea ice, cold air temperatures and ice accretion.
Prior to the Polar Code coming into force there were no international regulations, just local territorial regulations. Starting in 1992, the global maritime community came together at the IMO to develop guidelines for marine operations in Arctic Ice Covered waters. These guidelines evolved to become the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code). The IMO Polar Code came into force January 2017 for new ships, and after the first SLC intermediate survey, statutory under SOLAS, for all existing ships after January 2018.
The Code brings new safety…