RINA invites papers for the forthcoming International Conference on Ship & Offshore Technology - Ice Class Ships. Vessels operating in the Arctic regions are exposed to a number of unique demands. The pressure of first year and multi year ice imposes additional loads on the hull, propulsion system and appendages. New designs have evolved such as the Double-acting principle. The extreme environmental conditions can also have significant effects on vessel systems and machinery.

Low temperatures and poor visibility can have profound effects on the crew and vessel operations. Current operational experience in the Arctic is limited to much smaller vessels than those that are envisaged. There is great probability that new owners and operators without operational experience in these harsh conditions will enter the market. This will impose a need for guidance for these owners and operators, as well as shipyards building vessels for cold weather service.

RINA invites papers on the following related topics:

• Materials, Welds and Coatings
• Hull Design, Construction and Equipment
• Vessel Systems and Machinery
• Safety Systems
• Specific Vessel Requirements
• Crew Considerations / Human Factors
• Vessel Operations
• Cargo Considerations
• Classification

The deadline for submission of abstracts is the 29 May 2009.