DNV GL Wraps Up Phase I of Cable and Pipeline Operations Equipment JIP

The first phase of the DNV GL’s Joint Industry Project (JIP) which focuses on the development of a new design and certification standard for equipment for pipeline and cable offshore operations has been completed.

The JIP aims to reduce uncertainty and cost and increase efficiency and safety throughout the lifecycle of the equipment.

Phase 1, “Mapping the big picture”, focused on the identification and clarification of the the differences between the equipment types and the standard lifting appliances; and the building blocks and functional groups in the pipeline and cable operation deck spread.

A key attribute of Phase 1 was the drafting of a glossary for the definition of the common terms used across the industry.

“This in itself is a huge step forward in the standardization process but there is still some work to be done during the course of Phase 2 on this task,” said Dr.Eng. Marius Popa, JIP project manager, DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

The data analysed during Phase 1 has identified and recorded various processes across the industry regarding equipment for pipeline and cable offshore operations. The activities of Phase 2 will be focused on the development of a separate standard for the pipeline and cable operations equipment that will harmonize the position of individual stakeholders and consolidate the trend for a standard approach throughout the lifecycle of the equipment.

Marius Popa, added: “The development of a standard for this type of equipment will create an industry wide consensus on an agreed set of practices to follow for the design and certification of these products as equipment, or as integrated parts in a system, dedicated to, and customized for, a specific asset. This will allow stakeholders to increase transparency and reduce the risk in the early phases of the equipment development and ensure consistency across the supply chain.”

Due, to start shortly, Phase 2 is planned to take 12 to 18 months, DNV GL informed.

The current JIP partners are: Allseas Engineering, Amclyde Norson Engineering (a division of National Oilwell Varco), Aquatic Engineering and Construction (an Acteon company), IHC Engineering Business, IHC SAS, INNOVO Engineering and Construction, MAATS Tech, Passer, Parkburn Precision Handling Systems, REEL S.A.S., Saipem, Subsea 7 and TechnipFMC.