DNV’s Enhanced Classification Rules for mobile offshore units presented in May have been further improved through a process of industry consultation and feedback. The final versions of the related DNV Offshore Standards are now available.
The updated rules focus on control, transparency and efficiency and include the latest best practices and innovations to ensure they are rapidly implemented by the industry.
First Set of Managed Pressure Drilling Systems
The release includes the industry’s first set of requirements for managed pressure drilling systems. Advanced drilling techniques such as managed pressure drilling, a system for controlling the mud pressure in the reservoir, are becoming more prevalent on floating offshore units.
These systems can be safety critical, and no standards or appropriate design codes for their safe development and use existed until now. The new standard includes requirements for managed pressure drilling systems, definitions of associated safety systems and requirements for well barriers and drawworks.
Winterisation
A second industry first in the release are the function based requirements “Winterization for Cold Climate”. These functional and performance-based requirements enhance the previously prescriptive rules.
Enhanced Systems Notation
The optional Enhanced Systems (ES) notation provides additional safety and reliability in a cost-effective manner, offering a clear package to owners and yards wishing to differentiate themselves in the market. One example of the optional enhanced ES notation coverage relates to the risk of fires in moon pool areas, which are not included in the IMO MODU Code.
DNV GL anticipates further updates to the rules in 2014.
