|
 |
BS will class a semisubmersible platform destined
for 8,000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico—representing
the world’s deepest installation to date. Describing the
project |
as “massive,” Bob Major, ABS project manager, advises
that ABS’ selection for the contract lies in its extensive
experience in the Gulf of Mexico and its ability to act on behalf
of the U.S. Coast Guard.
“We work closely with our clients to facilitate survivability
offshore while also working to avoid any costly delays to the schedule.
“Our domestic experience in deepwater Gulf of Mexico and
our ability to impact timely approvals of offshore facilities—because
of our established agreement to act on behalf of the U.S. Coast
Guard—helped to secure this contract award,” said Major.
The new platform will be classed an XA1
Floating Offshore Installation (FOI). Areas of emphasis include
platform stability, structural integrity and buoyancy after damage
while also considering the unit’s readiness in terms of fire-fighting
capability and life-saving equipment.
“Our goal is to provide safe working conditions for people
at sea while also protecting the environment,” said Major.
Preliminary activities are already under way for the project,
with ABS participating in initial meetings to clarify requirements
for fire protection, hull structure and piping issues as early in
the process as possible, says Major.
“The designers are anxious to get this information to maintain
their schedule and to avoid any rework. We’ve made ourselves
available, and we’re making initial comments that will help
move the process along,” he said.
Major advises that ABS is assisting the designers in addressing
rules associated with the ability of decks and bulkheads to withstand
a hydrocarbon fire. Relevant issues include requirements for shielding
critical equipment, evacuation plans, fire walls, life boats and
stairways.
As part of this process, ABS will apply IMO—International
Maritime Organization—standards in its review of the platform,
looking at structural fire protection ratings for accommodations/quarters,
the motor control center and escape routes.
For instance, an “H-60” rating provides a bulkhead
or deck with 60 minutes before failure in the case of a hydrocarbons
(gas or oil) fire; and an “A-60” rating provides a bulkhead
or deck with 60 minutes before failure for a fire emanating from
combustible materials; i.e., mattresses, wood, supplies, furniture,
etc.
ABS also will expect the platform designers to provide some method
of isolating damaged process piping from marine or safety-critical
piping, with the likely approach calling for a valve with an adequate
pressure rating. The process piping can then be designed to a safety
standard that may result in lower costs.
ABS holds a 47 percent market share for classing floating offshore
installations, including semisubmersibles, tension leg platforms,
spars and floating production, storage and offloading units.
“We’ve served as the certified verification agent
(CVA) for all types of FOI units, designed and fabricated both domestically
and overseas. We’re eager to serve as CVA for this frontier
project that will take the industry into a new realm of deepwater,”
said Major.
|
