1. SHIPYARDS: Differences between Tankers and FPSO Specification
Dr. Alwyn McLeary,
Senior Surveyor, Lloyd’s Register ASIA, Singapore Office,
(+65)

2. Presentation (20mins) Discussion (10mins)
Outline a simplified model representing the FPSO Classification process
Validated the proposition that there is a lack of agreement between the shipyard tanker/FPSO specifications
Identify the key issues
Identify the gaps
Discuss the progress to date in closing these gaps
Outline a way forward

3. FPSO Classification Model
Installation
Modification
Refine
Design
Review
Comments
Project
Specification
(Client)
Vendor Specifications/Practices
Design Appraisal
Design to Rules/Codes
Rule + Service History
Experience =
REGULATORY ISSUES
FEED Review

4. FPSO Classification Model (Codes and Standards)
Topsides
Hull
Mooring
Heli-deck & Safety Systems
Process & Utilities System
Marine Systems
Hull Structure
Interfaces
LR Rules International Codes / Standards
International Codes & Standards
LR Rules

5. Proposition: there exists a lack of agreement between shipyard tanker/FPSO specifications? YES/NO
Depends who you ask?
Generally an “interface” issue (Discipline Project Management)
Hull (shipbuilding standards + FPSO-Specific Loadings)
Everything else (offshore standards)
But majority of the project assembled in a shipyard
Regulatory Issues Govern

6. Key Issues Regulatory Requirements
Interface (problems on previous projects)
Physical
Code/Specification
Contractual
FPSO-Specific Loadings based approval (Site- & Operational-Specific Loadings)

7. Regulatory Requirements
Coastal State Authority and National Authority (National Administrations) requirements regarding applicable codes and standards (and dates/versions) govern and requires to be defined at the outset (e.g. SOLAS, MARPOL, Loadline, Tonnage). PMA?
If the vessel will disconnect and sail under own power then there may be two sets of requirements to be met (will require to be Flagged). The most onerous for individual systems will govern.
At present no clear universal Regulatory requirements for FPSOs established.

8. Interface Problem Areas
Escape and access routes, particularly configuration of ladders, etc
Tank entry requirements (in operations), PMA
Is MARPOL, SOLAS and LOADLINE applicable
NDT requirements based on code compliance at interface
Tolerances at interface
Hazardous Area definition
Drgs. with lines detailing the extent of responsibility?

9. Environmental Criteria: Site-specific 100 Year Joint Probability Contours
West of Shetland
Northern North Sea
Central North Sea Hs Tp

10. Strength: Site Specific WSF (for harsh environment)
LR FOIFL Rule, Requirement
LR Ship Rule, Requirement

11. Gaps
Tendency to “re-invent the wheel” (not learning from previous projects)
80% of Problems due to 20% of Causes (Ref. 1), Project Management and Contracting are Key Elements
Harmonisation of Regulatory Requirements
Specification Definition (defining interfaces), FPSO/JTP Future Alignment
Interface Management (point 2 above)
Physical, Code, Contractual
Ref. 1: “Capturing Lessons Learned During FPSO Projects”, JR Still, The Naval Architect, January 2004, pp19-22.

12. Progress in Closing Gaps
Lloyd’s Register Group works closely with FPSO clients to identify potential interface problems at an early stage in the project (e.g. FEED Review).
Continuous Rule development and internal R&D activities as well as participation in various JIPs over a number of years (e.g. FPSO-Specific Loadings Project, + future planning of alignment with JTP).
Preparation of Guidance Notes expanding Rule requirements and identifying important considerations (e.g. LR Group Guidance Note “FPSO INSTALLATIONS – AN OVERVIEW OF REGULATORY ISSUES”, OS/GN/99001).

13. Way Forward Industry Driven Harmonisation of Regulatory Requirements
Lessons Learnt Exchange Between FPSO Owners/Operators (FPSOForum is probably already effective in this area)
Alignment of Future JTP based Tanker Rules and FPSO Design Apprasial Processes (Increased Transparency in Loading Assessment)

14. Summary FPSO’s - NOT JUST A TANKER WITH SOME EQUIPMENT ON DECK!
REGULATORY ISSUES GOVERN (NO CLEAR SET OF REGULATIONS APPLY)
MANAGEMENT OF VARIOUS INTERFACES VERY IMPORTANT
FPSO-SPECIFIC LOADINGS ALIGNMENT TO FUTURE JTP RULES?

15. Contact Alwyn McLeary Alastair H Jones Senior Surveyor
Lloyd’s Register ASIA, Singapore Office,
Tel: (+65)
Alastair H Jones
Oil and Gas Business Manager ASIA
Tel: (+65)