Classification and Certification Requirements for Floating Production Systems
Authors: Bowie R.D. , Richardson K.L. 
Published: October 2008

Floating Production Systems (FPSS) can be either, custom built or a converted semi-submersible, tanker or barge. The paper describes the necessary steps to be taken for the Classification and Certification of FPSS and FPSOS.

The paper outlines the latest Classification and certification requirements for both semi-submersible and ship type FPSS. Classification and regulatory requirements for the Hull Structure, Stability, Station Keeping, Shipboard and Production Systems are discussed.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Hydrocarbon Production from a floating platform was first used in the early 1970s, with the "TRANSWORLD 58" in the North Sea. As far as Classification and Certification are concerned this unit was treated similar to a mobile offshore drilling unit. In recent years many other types of floating production systems have been installed offshore in various parts of the world.

For the purposes of Classification and Certification, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) considers a Floating Production System an offshore system comprised of a floating structure with station keeping capabilities engaged in any combination of oil and gas production, processing, storage and/or offloading operations. The floating structure may be a semisubmersible, tanker, barge, spar buoy, or a TLP. It may be custom designed and built or an existing vessel converted for FPS service. Station keeping can be from a single point, spread mooring system or by dynamic positioning.

This paper presents ABS' approach to Classing/Certifying semi-submersible and ship-type floating production vessels.

The relationship, requirements and responsibilities of the Classification Societies and the relevant regulatory authorities are, in general, well defined. However, for FPS projects these relationships and requirements are often more complex and sometime not understood by all parties.

The selection of which type of vessel is most appropriate depends on a number of parameters such as field size, environmental parameters, cost etc. Table 1 shows a representative number of a selection of FPSS and FPSOS classed and/or certified by the ABS.

2.0, CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

2.1. General

During the past decade the use of FPSS has increased dramatically, some purpose built and others converted semi-submersibles or tankers. ABS Classification requirements are essentially the same for either new building or a conversion. In general ABS approach to FPS Classification is based on:treating the entire FPS as a site-specific systemcombining the requirements of ABS' various Rules and Guides, as relevant, to the type of floating system involved in each project,identifying and defining requirements for interfacing "marine system" practice with "production system" practice,utilizing existing and new industry standards and recommended practices wherever possible.

The minimum requirements for Classification of an FPS are the Classification of:the floating hullthe production system and equipment,the station keeping system.

Optional Classification can be obtained for the subseatemplate, production riser and export systems.

After the design review, on site surveys, hook-up and commissioning are completed to ABS satisfaction.