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Tankers Feed FPSO Demand
There is currently a strong FPSO conversion market. In 2008 alone, up to ten very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are being converted to FPSOs to satisfy the global oil and gas demand. Numerous design reviews for FPSO conversions are being carried out by ABS' Pacific Division in addition to a number of conversions underway in yards such as Singapore’s Jurong Shipyard and Keppel Shipyard. ABS experience from classing the 50 FPSO units – both newbuilds and conversions – currently in service has lead to New Requirements for the Evaluation of FPSO Structures. |
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Offshore Structure Assessment Program for Semisubmersibles
ABS has developed an offshore structural assessment program specifically designed for semisubmersible drilling rigs.
The ABS Eagle Offshore Structure Assessment Program (OSAP) allows designers to more easily check their designs against ABS MODU Rules to confirm they meet classification requirements. Read more. |
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Offshore Resolute Heads for Vietnam
ABS classed Offshore Resolute jackup rig heads for operation offshore Vietnam this month. The Scorpion Offshore Ltd. drilling rig was delivered by Keppel AmFELS late April. It is one in a series of five rigs all classed by ABS. View earlier story. |
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ABS Oversees Rig Rehab
The hurricane Katrina damaged Nabors 660 Jack up rig has undergone comprehensive rehabilitation at the Lamprell facilities in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is ready to resume work. Read more. |
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 Shenzi TLP Readied for Installation
Progress Report ABS Project Manager Lynnda Pekel reports the ABS classed Shenzi TLP, constructed by South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries, is on schedule for installation in summer 2008 with first oil expected mid-2009. The TLP will be installed in the Gulf of Mexico, Green Canyon area, at a water depth of 4,374 ft. Read more. |
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Brazilian QGOG Awards Second Semi to ABS
The Alpha Star, a DSS ™ 38 semisubmersible design, has been awarded to Singapore’s Keppel FELS with ABS named as the classification society. This is the second deepwater semisubmersible ordered by Brazilian drilling contractor group Queiroz Galvao Oleo e Gas (QGOG) at Keppel FELS. ABS also classed the other semisubmersibles, Gold Star and Lone Star. Read more. |
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Second Derrick Pipelay Vessel for Global Industries
A second $250 million new generation dynamically positioned combination Derrick/Pipelay vessel will be constructed by Global Industries to ABS classification Rules. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in April 2011, just one year after its first vessel, the Global 1200. Read more. |
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ENSCO 8500 Series® Grows to Six
ENSCO International Incorporated nears completion of its first ENSCO 8500 Series® ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig. The original order encompassed five rigs, four of which are already committed to multi-year operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Now an additional rig has been announced, bringing the series to a total of six, all building to ABS class standards. Read more. |
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Strengehagen Fills New Offshore Norway Position
Jon Strengehagen has been named ABS Manager of Technology and Business Development Offshore (TBD) for Norway. The rapid expansion of the offshore industry in the North, Sea has highlighted the opportunity for ABS to appoint Strengehagen to further strengthen its client support in the region. Read more. |
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GSP Taps ABS
Romanian drilling contractor GSP has signed with ABS to class its new multipurpose construction vessel, GSP Titan. The vessel is designed to maximize operational flexibility by combining pipelaying, heavy lift operations and tender assist drilling operations. Read more. |
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ABS and RS Jointly Develop Rules for Arctic Gas Carriers
ABS and the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) are to jointly develop classification Rules for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers for operation in the Arctic Regions. This is the first pairing of classification societies to create Rules for the LNG market sector. The announcement was made during the 4th Annual Arctic Shipping 2008 International Conference & Seminar in St. Petersburg, Russia. Read more. |
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Milestone Study Advances LNG Carrier Structural Design in Arctic Conditions
A joint development project conducted by ABS, BMT Fleet Technology and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) investigating the structural integrity of cargo containment systems under different ice impact scenarios has just been completed leading to recommendations and guidance for these containment systems. The study has been done in preparation for the expected placement of orders for LNG carriers to transport gas from the Arctic regions of Russia which some analysts estimate hold approximately one-third of the world’s vast oil and gas reserves. Read more.
The full technical paper from the Fourth Annual Arctic Shipping 2008 Conference “Structural Integrity Assessment of Cargo Containment System for Arctic LNG Carriers Under Ice Loads” may be downloaded. |
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Cryogenic Subsea Pipe Receives ABS Approval
Gaz Transport and Technigaz (GTT) best known for its membrane design systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers has developed a cryogenic sub sea pipe to transfer LNG cargo to and from the carrier to terminal. The GTT Pluto II Subsea Cryogenic Pipeline has received approval from ABS. Read more. |
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Another Qatar LNG Awarded to ABS
Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (Nakilat) has awarded ABS another of its large LNG carriers. ABS surveyors proudly attended the keel laying ceremony for hull 2265 at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in Korea. The 210,100 m3 carrier is larger than conventional LNG carriers and built with the GTT No. 96 membrane system. The vessel is schedule for delivery in 2009. Learn more about ABS’ LNG services.
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New Teekay Floating Offshore Gas Concept
ABS has been selected by Teekay Corporation to provide its technical evaluation to the basic design concept of a floating offshore gas liquefaction unit. The contract calls for review through to front end engineering and design (FEED) with the award of ABS classification to the facilities once a suitable project has been confirmed. Read more. |
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RBI for Offshore Gaining Momentum
ABS’ Chris Serratella, Director Corporate Operational Safety & Evaluation, says many operators are beginning to specify risk-based approaches to define inspection and maintenance programs for new or converted facilities in conjunction with class. A recent ABS sponsored risk-based seminar in Luanda, Angola, attracted attendees from leading companies SBM, Chevron, Sonangol, Pride, and Transocean. For more information regarding RBI, contact Chris Serratella. |
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OTC 2008
The ABS reception during the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) this year was attended by more than 500 clients and industry leaders. If you attended the event or just want to view pictures, photos are posted online and can be downloaded. View OTC 2008 pictures.
Take a look at some of ABS’ recent offshore projects. |
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Stiff Receives MMS Corporate Leadership Award
John Stiff, senior consultant with ABS Consulting, received the Minerals Management Services (MMS) Corporate Leadership Award (CORLA) for his exceptional leadership of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico MODU Mooring Strength and Reliability Joint Industry Program (MODU JIP). Read more. |
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See
the wide range of project types and diverse locations of current
projects undertaken by ABS around the world. |
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· Free downloads of Offshore Rules and Guides
· Offshore Rules and Guides for Purchase |
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develops and verifies standards for design, construction
and operational maintenance of marine and offshore facilities.
Currently, ABS has more than 20 Rules and Guides available
relating to the offshore and energy industry. |
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