In this project, the main objective is to assess and analyse the accidental limit state of ship hull structures, particularly frames and plating, designed according to IACS Polar Code and Finnish-Swedish Ice Class Rule. More specifically, the aim is to determine the strength levels of ice-strengthened shell structures, which are subject to local loads imposed by ice and compare this level to the typical ice loads encountered in the Baltic Sea to evaluate the safety level of the current ice class rules.

In contrast to simplified analytical equations used in class rules, we will employ state of the art design tools, such as the finite element method, to assess the accidental limit state. Advanced statistical approaches are used to evaluate the life-time maximum ice loads in various ice conditions. Thereby, the investigation will show the safety margin with respect to accidental limit state in various ice conditions and ship types as defined in present design guidelines, which is today not known detail enough and thus considerably reduces the uncertainty related to these rule requirements.

This will also impact the current development of the new Polar Code for ships navigating in ice.