ABS can assist with preliminary planning and advice early in an offshore project including pre-sanctioned FEED phases, through onsite meetings and review of the design.  By involving class at this very early stage before detailed plans are drawn or concepts selected, ABS can provide a technical evaluation of the basic design concept being proposed.  ABS’ evaluation may be based upon the application of prescriptive requirements plus a series of overall risk analyses and special studies. 

Examples of floating units which require Classification are:  Jackups, Semisubmersibles, Drillships and Floating Production Systems (FPS).