For the operation in the Baltic, the Finnish-Swedish Ice Class Rules (FSICR) and the Russian Maritime Register (RMR) Ice Class Rules (Non-Arctic Sea Area Requirements) are applied. In the Arctic Ocean, it is RMR Ice Class Rules and the Canadian Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Rules (CASPPR); while the RMR Ice Class Rules (Non-Arctic) apply in the Okhotsk Sea.
The aim of all ice rules is to ensure safe operation in ice by focusing on the strength of the hull structure and protecting of essential propulsion machinery under ice interaction loading scenarios, and by stipulating sufficient installed propulsion power. In practice, this means heavier scantlings in the side shell structure (ice belt) and a bow shape optimised for ice operation; a larger diameter shaft and thicker propeller blade root; and provision of an ice knife to prevent damage to rudder and steering gear when manoeuvring in ice.