A Case Study on Integrated Winterization Design of Accommodation Areas for Arctic-Route LNG Carriers

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic documentation of Winterization design practice applied to the accommodation area of an Arctic-route LNG carrier, based on direct design experience with a 170K CBM LNG ICE2 CLASS vessel(Winterization notation: − 30℃) ordered by Sovcomflot. In compliance with MSC/Circ.1056 and Lloyd's Register Provisional Rules for the Winterisation of Ships, Heat Tracing using self-regulating cables (20XTV2-CT, 66 W/m) was applied to four critical zones along escape routes: (1) weather-tight door frames, (2) accommodation entrance floors, (3) handrails, and (4) under-deck surfaces. Inclined ladders (5) adopted Open Grating as a passive alternative, eliminating Heat Tracing. Three additional passive measures were implemented without supplementary power: Open Grating at 6 locations, Hot Water Lines from engine room supply at 26–28 points, and relocation of a Tilting Lighting Post Power Pack to the elevator machine room. As a further passive measure, HVAC Diffuser Lines from existing air-conditioning systems were applied to winterize accommodation windows and sliding doors, eliminating additional electrical load; incidental material cost savings reached approximately 95–97%. By documenting operational knowledge of Arctic-route vessel owners and on-site design expertise in a structured form, this study provides a reference for Winterization design practice in the accommodation area of polar-route vessels. The conditional branching algorithm presented in Table 9 may provide a reference basis for future Rule Engine development in shipbuilding design automation.