On the Design of Ice-Strengthened Superyachts

The paper deals with the design of ships strengthened for navigation in icy waters. The attention is focused, in particular, on the expedition yachts: innovative luxury vessels conceived for a service also in harsh climate regions. For such a special yacht the design must face the problems related to the navigation in brash ice channels, and for this reason the vessel must comply with an ice class regulation. The ice class rules of the Finnish and Swedish Maritime Administrations can be considered as the main reference in this field; indeed these regulations have been adopted by most of the IACS members since 1985. The design philosophy behind the ice class rules is analysed in relation to its main features, which are essentially based on both operative and safety aspects. A sensitivity analysis is performed on the parameters affecting the structural scantling and the propulsion power requirements. The ice class concepts have been applied for an expedition yacht 35 m long. Feasible structural solutions for the ice-strengthened hull are shown along with the verification of the powering needed for a safe navigation in ice.