Verification Of Platform Design And Installation - A Contractor's View
Authors: Lee Griff C. 
Published: October 2008

Proposed regulations currently under consideration for all fixed platforms installed in U.S. waters will require that the design be reviewed and that the construction be inspected by an "independent" third party. This paper discusses the effect these proposed new regulations would have on current design and construction practices.

Even an efficient verification program will undoubtedly increase engineering and construction costs and cause delays in schedule. However, there will be some offsetting advantages. The designer would have a uniform design criteria and basis of design to apply to all platforms instead of a different requirement for each operator. Also, construction should be simplified slightly if all platforms were fabricated by the same specifications.

Based on past experience with verification programs in other areas, the proposed verification program cannot be justified by benefit to the designer or contractor.

INTRODUCTION

In the North Sea, government regulations establish the design criteria and basis for design of all platforms and require that the design and construction of these platforms be reviewed, inspected, and approved by "qualified" independent third parties who are on the government's approved list. In the U.S., a formal "verification" by a third party is not currently required. The USGS, which is responsible for regulating all platforms, fixed structures, and artificial islands, requires in OCS Order 8 that the "Operator certifies that this platform has been certified by a registered professional engineer and that the structure will be constructed, operated, and maintained as described in the application". (1) However, governmental regulations currently under consideration will add the additional requirement of third party verification by an independent "expert". The question appears to be not "if" these regulations will be implemented, but "when" and "how".

This paper is intended to discuss the effect the proposed regulations will have on the contractor relative only to the design and construction of fixed platforms. Also, this discussion will be limited to structural aspects of fixed platforms. Verification of drilling and production aspects of fixed platform usage, as well as mobile drilling rigs and vessels are covered by separate regulations.

BACKGROUND

Offshore platform construction in the Gulf of Mexico began in 1947. At that time very limited technology was available and governmental regulations were also at a minimum. The industry and regulatory agencies have literally grown up together. As technology has been improved and become more sophisticated, so have additional regulations been put into effect by governmental bodies. It may be argued that it is time for another round of improved regulations, but it certainly cannot be proven that the offshore industry has been deficient.

Offshore design and construction technology in use throughout most of the world had its beginnings in the Gulf of Mexico. The safety record of the petroleum industry's offshore fixed platforms has been excellent.