In the first comprehensive overview of its kind, DNV GL has mapped out what is necessary to be in compliance with US Coast Guard (USCG) requirements to operate FOIs, FSOs and FPSOs in US waters.

The roadmap document called “Verification for compliance with United States regulations on the outer continental shelf”, follows from the US Coast Guard’s policy letter last year, accepting approval plans and inspections from the class societies DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register, and ABS as basis of USCG approval. However, differences in the accepted rules and standards, and the subsequent variety in the complementing requirements from the CFRs (Code of Federal Regulations) led to uncertainties among operators, both about requirements and final approvals.

”This roadmap removes the uncertainty factor and by including all the relevant information in a single document it is a clear path for compliance,” comments DNV GL’s Paal Johansen, who leads the classification business in the Americas. ”The roadmap is an example of how we act as a bridge between the industry and the regulators.”

FOIs, FSOs and FPSOs in compliance with this document will be given an US class notation indicating compliance with both the DNV class standards and the additional USCG requirements. This statement of compliance will meet all US Coast Guard requirements.

“Many operators and owners have welcomed the roadmap,” says Paal Johansen. “Owners have expressed a strong desire to freely choose classification society for floating offshore installations in American waters and we know there are many owners, designers, operators and yards that would prefer to work with DNV GL. This document is further proof that they can do so and be confident in the entire regulatory process.”

In 2008, DNV was the classification society and CVA for the first FPSO (BW Pioneer) in the US Gulf of Mexico, for the Cascade and Chinook field and is currently working on a classification and CVA project for a floater in the GoM for Delta House.

DNV GL has an extensive track record in verification and independent analysis for many GoM floaters throughout the past 20 years, including many high profile failure and accident investigations. DNV GL has a wide portfolio of CVA and development projects for the oil and gas industry in the GoM. Currently, DNV GL has 1800 employees in North America.

Source: DNV GL