DNV GL, one of the world’s largest classification societies and advisory body for the offshore oil and gas industry, will launch a joint industry project (JIP) for jack-up industry players.
Providing the reasons behind the JIP , DNV GL, pointed to the fact that a lack of properly assessed and defined wear limits for jacking systems can lead to significant downtimes with financial implications for jack-up operations.
The project named “Wear acceptance criteria for jacking systems” will, DNV GL says, provide guidelines on determining relevant wear criteria for self-elevating units.
Scheduled to kick off early in 2016, with support from eleven industry partners, the joint industry project will is building on a DNV GL Recommended Practice (RP) issued last year to address maintenance and inspection challenges of a jack-up system.
It will document relevant design arguments, considerations and calculations to enable the industry defining acceptance criteria and giving guidance on the correct assessment of jacking systems in a RP, DNV GL said in a statement on Thursday.
“Defining maximum limits of wear across all parts of a jacking system is technically complex,” says Michiel van der Geest , product manager offshore classification, DNV GL – Maritime. “It not only involves the interaction of all elements of the system, including the different materials applied, but also relevant operational and maintenance strategy considerations.”
Incorrect or unclear assessments can increase cost and also the reliability and availability of jacking systems. By creating a clear guidance this JIP will ultimately improve asset management and reduce delays and maintenance costs, DNV GL adds.