Finnish-Swedish Ice Class

Common Baltic ice classification system (Finnish Maritime Administration / Finnish-Swedish Ice Class Rules) ranking vessels IA Super, IA, IB, IC, II, and III in descending capability. The class controls fairway dues, the order of icebreaker assistance, and the minimum cargo intake permitted in winter Baltic operations under TRAFICOM regulations. The rules cover hull scantlings in the ice belt, propeller blade strength, rudder and stern frame reinforcement, and minimum engine power as a function of vessel size. IA Super is the only class permitted to operate independently in heavy Baltic ice without icebreaker assistance.