International classification society Bureau Veritas has issued new rules for the classification of offshore service vessels.
The new rules include new class notations for pipelay vessels, accommodation units, offshore construction vessels and support vessels.
They set out requirements for the classification of a wide range of vessels performing construction, installation, maintenance and other support activities at sea.
These requirements cover towing, anchor handling, supply, fire-fighting, oil recovery, diving support, lifting, standby and rescue, accommodation, pipe laying, cable laying and semi-submersible heavy transport vessels.
New and updated class notations and service features have also been included for wind turbine installation vessels and self-elevating units – covering the legs and elevating systems fitted on liftboats, among others.
The rules entered into force on 1 July 2017 as described in a new booklet (NR467-E), which is now part of the Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships, Bureau Veritas said.
Gijsbert de Jong , Bureau Veritas Marine Marketing and Sales Director, said: “With this new publication Bureau Veritas provides the industry with a clear framework for the classification of offshore service vessels and tugs based on an end-user friendly system of class notations reflecting the terminology used by the industry. This document is the culmination of a development plan aimed at addressing the specific requirements of key offshore operations in our rules.”