Novel Concept Approval and Technology Qualification of Systems and Vessels for Deep Sea Extraction of Polymetallic Nodules
Authors: Breedlove Tyson , Rousseau Joseph 
Published: April 2022

Objectives/Scope

Subsea mining is a sector with massive growth potential, yet some of the supporting technology is still under development. The offshore industry is exploring innovative solutions to meet the functional, performance, safety, and environmental requirements to extract subsea minerals responsibly. Many of these proposed technologies and concepts are not covered by existing rules, regulations & procedures as they have outpaced development of the same. This raises potential uncertainties regarding safety, reliability, and functional capabilities. This paper covers the Class approach to new concept and technology qualification of systems and vessels designed to extract polymetallic nodules in the deep oceans.

Methods, Procedures, Process

A general overview of the typical offshore design phases and the corresponding novel concept approval and qualification process is shown in Figure 1 below. For a novel concept such as a subsea mining vessel there is an intermediary approval before final Class Approval, called an Approval in Principle (AIP). An AIP is a concept review that confirms feasibility of the design and is often required by project partners and/or regulatory bodies. The AIP also outlines key follow up actions in the form of an Approval Road Map. The process for achieving an Approval in Principle is outlined in the "ABS Guidance Notes on Review and Approval of Novel Concepts." Many stakeholders find AiPs useful because it provides an independent assessment of the feasibility of a new design concept.

Moving on from a unit/ asset approach to novel systems such as a subsea mineral riser system or deep-sea nodule collector, the qualification methodology is an iterative approach broken down into 5 stages. This process is called New Technology Qualification (NTQ). These stages are aligned with the typical engineering product development phases of to-be-qualified equipment; and are compatible with industry Technology Readiness Level (TRL) approaches as shown in Figure 2 (API RP 17N, ISO 16290). At the completion of each stage, a "Statement of Maturity" is issued which confirms the maturity of the design. The detailed process and requirements are outlined in the "ABS Guidance Notes on Qualifying New Technologies." The goal of an NTQ assessment is to demonstrate to key stakeholders the level of maturity of a new technology. Throughout these processes, the "ABS Guide for Subsea Mining" as well as other applicable Rules and Standards are referenced as the approval baseline.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

In the early stages of design, designers can leverage ABS expertise as well as the industry's first "Guide for Subsea Mining" to evaluate a new subsea mining concept or technology. These approvals can assist the client in identifying design improvements, noting required additional steps for final Class approval as well as demonstrating the technology maturity and feasibility to key stakeholders.

Novel/Additive Information

In recognition of the emerging industry of polymetallic nodule extraction, ABS has published the "Guide for Subsea Mining" providing class requirements for the design, construction, installation, and survey of mobile offshore mining units. ABS has also provided Guidance Notes to assist the industry in qualifying their new technologies and concepts, reducing risk and uncertainty, and increasing safety.