SHIPYARDS: Differences between Tankers and FPSO Specification Dr. Alwyn McLeary, Senior Surveyor, Lloyd’s Register ASIA, Singapore Office, (+65) 63704505 alwyn.mcleary@lr.org

Presentation (20mins) Discussion (10mins) Outline a simplified model representing the FPSO Classification process Validated the proposition that there is a lack of agreement between the shipyard tanker/FPSO specifications Identify the key issues Identify the gaps Discuss the progress to date in closing these gaps Outline a way forward

FPSO Classification Model Installation Modification Refine Design Review Comments Project Specification (Client) Vendor Specifications/Practices Design Appraisal Design to Rules/Codes Rule + Service History Experience = REGULATORY ISSUES FEED Review

FPSO Classification Model (Codes and Standards) Topsides Hull Mooring Heli-deck & Safety Systems Process & Utilities System Marine Systems Hull Structure Interfaces LR Rules + International Codes / Standards International Codes & Standards LR Rules

Proposition: there exists a lack of agreement between shipyard tanker/FPSO specifications? YES/NO Depends who you ask? Generally an “interface” issue (Discipline Project Management) Hull (shipbuilding standards + FPSO-Specific Loadings) Everything else (offshore standards) But majority of the project assembled in a shipyard Regulatory Issues Govern

Key Issues Regulatory Requirements Interface (problems on previous projects) Physical Code/Specification Contractual FPSO-Specific Loadings based approval (Site- & Operational-Specific Loadings)

Regulatory Requirements Coastal State Authority and National Authority (National Administrations) requirements regarding applicable codes and standards (and dates/versions) govern and requires to be defined at the outset (e.g. SOLAS, MARPOL, Loadline, Tonnage). PMA? If the vessel will disconnect and sail under own power then there may be two sets of requirements to be met (will require to be Flagged). The most onerous for individual systems will govern. At present no clear universal Regulatory requirements for FPSOs established.

Interface Problem Areas Escape and access routes, particularly configuration of ladders, etc Tank entry requirements (in operations), PMA Is MARPOL, SOLAS and LOADLINE applicable NDT requirements based on code compliance at interface Tolerances at interface Hazardous Area definition Drgs. with lines detailing the extent of responsibility?

Environmental Criteria: Site-specific 100 Year Joint Probability Contours West of Shetland Northern North Sea Central North Sea Hs Tp

Strength: Site Specific WSF (for harsh environment) LR FOIFL Rule, Requirement LR Ship Rule, Requirement

Gaps Tendency to “re-invent the wheel” (not learning from previous projects) 80% of Problems due to 20% of Causes (Ref. 1), Project Management and Contracting are Key Elements Harmonisation of Regulatory Requirements Specification Definition (defining interfaces), FPSO/JTP Future Alignment Interface Management (point 2 above) Physical, Code, Contractual Ref. 1: “Capturing Lessons Learned During FPSO Projects”, JR Still, The Naval Architect, January 2004, pp19-22.

Progress in Closing Gaps Lloyd’s Register Group works closely with FPSO clients to identify potential interface problems at an early stage in the project (e.g. FEED Review). Continuous Rule development and internal R&D activities as well as participation in various JIPs over a number of years (e.g. FPSO-Specific Loadings Project, + future planning of alignment with JTP). Preparation of Guidance Notes expanding Rule requirements and identifying important considerations (e.g. LR Group Guidance Note “FPSO INSTALLATIONS – AN OVERVIEW OF REGULATORY ISSUES”, OS/GN/99001).

Way Forward Industry Driven Harmonisation of Regulatory Requirements Lessons Learnt Exchange Between FPSO Owners/Operators (FPSOForum is probably already effective in this area) Alignment of Future JTP based Tanker Rules and FPSO Design Apprasial Processes (Increased Transparency in Loading Assessment)

Summary FPSO’s - NOT JUST A TANKER WITH SOME EQUIPMENT ON DECK! REGULATORY ISSUES GOVERN (NO CLEAR SET OF REGULATIONS APPLY) MANAGEMENT OF VARIOUS INTERFACES VERY IMPORTANT FPSO-SPECIFIC LOADINGS ALIGNMENT TO FUTURE JTP RULES?

Contact Alwyn McLeary Alastair H Jones Senior Surveyor Lloyd’s Register ASIA, Singapore Office, Tel: (+65) 63704505 Email: alwyn.mcleary@lr.org Alastair H Jones Oil and Gas Business Manager ASIA Tel: (+65) 63704552 Email: alastair.jones@lr.org