What are the challenges in successful implementation of the Polar Code in the Arctic?

The event was organized by the Polar Code project (The Polar Code and Maritime Safety: International Network on Emergency Preparedness and Occupational Health and Safety in Arctic Shipping), Department of Sociology, Environmental and Business Economics (SEBE), University of Southern Denmark (the project is funded by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science). The webinar aimed to create a larger international research network on maritime risk and safety management in the arctic ocean and to strengthen the cooperation between researchers, public and private partners.

Dewan Ahsan, Associate Professor, SEBE, University of Southern Denmark gave the welcome speech. Turid B Stemre, the Director of IMO affairs at the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) and Mark van der Hulst, the Chairman of the Marine Committee of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) were the distinguished speakers of the webinar. Both of Turid and Mark took active participations in the development stage of the Polar Code under IMO.

Turid said compliance with the Polar Code is mandatory for the vessels which are operating in the polar waters. The Polar Code is a very effective regulation not only to address risks from ships operation in polar waters but also for environmental protection matters relevant to ships operation. She discussed about the challenges in regard to implementation process of the Polar Code in Arctic waters. During his presentation, Mark stated that AECO has been involved in the legislative developments process of the Polar Code and now his organization is actively working in the implementation process as well. He stated that compliance of the Polar Code, will certainly ensure the highest level of safety for all type of vessels operated in the Arctic. He also pointed out to the weaknesses of the Polar Code by giving some concrete examples which should be overcome in near future for better emergency management.

The webinar brought together researchers, members of the civil service, maritime practitioners, distinguished members of shipping industry and PhD students from Europe, Australia, Russia, Japan and Canada.