Norway: DNV Presents New Rule Book for Self-Elevating Units

A new dedicated rule book for Jack-up Vessels (self-elevating units) will guide designers and shipyards to class their designs and newbuilding projects. The rule book clearly explains the DNV and international regulations and standards.

Adaptations from the traditional Offshore Standards include additional class notations and alignment of material and jacking systems requirements based on feedback from industry experts and adapted survey procedures.

This dedicated rule book for self-elevating units clearly provides the specific considerations required for Jack-Ups to prevent interpretations that may lead to imposing additional requirements without any safety benefits. These considerations are especially relevant for Jack-ups, taking into account their dual fixed/ floating nature.

DNV’s Offshore Class Product Manager, Michiel van der Geest, explains that “we have focused on making a user friendly rule book with clear guidance. I believe that the designers and yards will now find it much easier to interpret Jack Up requirements. Additionally, the entire classification concept is described in a concise manner, so that full compliance can be achieved. Besides the new format the rule book, most importantly, it is based on a deep understanding of the Jack-up segments needs and standards. “Strength and material requirements have been aligned with proven market standards. In addition, operational procedures are tailored to specific operational profiles in order to minimize interference with production schedules,” van der Geest says.

Further, the book introduces the new voluntary notation Enhanced Systems (ES). This notation covers industry’s needs to demonstrate safety and reliability beyond compliance. “It is based on our accumulated knowledge and experience and contains requirements for acceptable design solutions,” he concludes.

DNV is a global provider of services for managing risk, with safeguarding life, property and the environment as our purpose. Organized as an independent and autonomous foundation with no proprietors, DNV balances the needs of business and society, based on its independence and integrity. DNV serves a range of high-risk industries, with a special focus on the maritime and energy sectors. In addition, DNV has expert knowledge in pipeline safety, renewable energy (especially wind and solar), and climate change. DNV has been authorized by governments and national authorities to provide services in countries worldwide, including independent investigations, audits and surveys, especially within in the area of advanced technologies.

Established in 1864, the company has a global presence with a network of over 300 offices in 100 countries, and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Our prime assets are the knowledge and expertise of its 9,000 employees from more than 80 nations. In the US, DNV has more than 1,400 employees. DNV has operated in the US since 1898.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 01, 2012;