The current status of new class rules and complementary solutions for safer operation of offshore service vessels (OSVs) were presented by Germanischer Lloyd’s Helge Rathje at the 3rd International Conference on Technology & Operation of Offshore Support Vessels in Singapore. “Our aim is to formulate a set of new rules that are comprehensive, strict and feasible enough to help construct safer and more robust OSVs and to minimize their operational risks,” he said.
Increasing Sophistication and Growing Market Offshore service vessels (OSVs) are becoming larger, more specialized and technically sophisticated as a result of the rising demand for more complex deepwater field developments. Currently there are some 2,500 OSVs worldwide, with a steady growth projected from now through 2020. All these has led to an expanded definition of OSV which refers to “not only traditional supply boats, but also anchor handling tug/supply ships, well stimulation ships, and standby ships” and even those “built to carry hazardous and noxious substances, to fight fires, or to occasionally recover oil.”