In recent years, Arctic issues have become increasingly “hot” as a result of new oil and gas development plans for the Arctic, particularly in Russia.

DNV has worked on projects related to the Arctic for some time. Already in 1932 DNV introduced the first special requirements for ships intended for operation in ice covered waters.

The "Arctic" research programme has been established to use this experience as a basis for further research together with partners from research institutes, universities and industry. Our aim is to become a leading provider of knowledge and techniques for the management of risk in energy production and transportation in the Arctic.

The main focus areas of the research programme are:

• Integration of human response measures in Arctic operations: Arctic operations will mean extreme cold, noise, vibrations, isolation, etc., for crews on ships and platforms

• Prediction of effects of extreme ice features on ships, platforms & pipelines: Simulation of ice detection and management system to predict disconnect probabilities and downtimes

• Evaluation of emergency evacuation for ships and platforms in the Arctic

• Assessment of safe and effective ship operations in Arctic ice conditions

• Decision support systems for environmental response and management in the Arctic