News Analysis: World Renowned Insurer Lloyd’s of London (LOL) will be submitting Regulations for Polar Shipping which may supplement any shortcomings in those of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As an Insurer, the view it takes may be of slightly different perspective than the ‘IMO’. While both are dealing with the Omnipresent Vagaries in the Arctic Environment, the Continuing Dynamics of this Area may present Risks which may be of Inordinate Consequence to all involved: Shipping Company; Freight Owner; Insurance Company; Re-Insurance Company; Government(s); and, the Planet Earth. If a “Negative Event” occurs, the ‘IMO’ does not ‘take the Financial Hit’, the Insurance Company(s) does.
Once Regulations have been decided upon, Shipping Companies will know what Personnel Training, Vessel Improvements or New-Buildings of Vessels will be necessary to traverse the Polar Route safely.
As an example, an improvement to a Vessel or enhancement of a New-Building would be the installation of “Mega-Temp™” Insulation throughout the Interior of the Hull thus keeping it Warmer, Quieter, and certainly Drier. In a New-Building, where temperature sensitivity of Chemicals was important, compartments insulated with “Mega-Temp™” would NOT be affected by the Cold of the Polar Route. Containerized Vessels traversing the Polar Route should have both their Hulls and Containers treated with “Mega-Temp™” Insulation so Electronics being shipped therein are not damaged by the Severe Cold of the Arctic.
Insurance Actuaries will be able to establish rates for coverage once Regulations are decided upon by the “IMO’ and ‘LOL’ pertaining to the Polar Route; much like the Chinese did in 3000 B.C. for traversing treacherous Rivers.
Reality.
Reference: http://arcticjournal.com/business/lloyds-guidelines-complement-polar-code