(Houston) ABS, the leading provider of classification services to the global offshore industry, convened industry partners in Houston to sign an agreement that outlines objectives for the second stage of a pioneering unified joint industry project (JIP) for standardization. The goal of the JIP, which includes participants from Korean shipyards, operators, drilling contractors, engineering companies and classification societies, is to develop offshore design standards that will help to improve safety, reduce costs and increase efficiency for offshore projects.

“The main focus of the JIP is on the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) phase of offshore projects,” says ABS COO Tony Nassif. “The results will be applicable to all phases of offshore development projects.”

Standards will be developed for simple components, equipment and equipment packages, procedures related to construction and commissioning, and documentation requirements, with an initial concentration on topsides for installations built for drilling and production. The ultimate goal is to develop internationally recognized specifications that will be published as offshore standards.

The project consists of two JIPS, one that addresses equipment and one that addresses structures, piping and engineering, and installation. Plans are in place for discrete stages of the JIPs to be carried out in Korea, Houston, and London. A Technical Advisory Group comprising JIP members representing oil majors, engineering companies, yards and classification societies will provide feedback on deliverables to make sure results reflect stated objectives.

ABS initiated its first standardization JIP in 2015 with the three leading Korean shipyards – HHI, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) – and oil and gas and engineering companies to establish new global design standardization procedures based on relevant industry standards, international regulations and class requirements across the offshore industry. The unified offshore standardization JIP, which includes these participants among a much broader group, will develop criteria to help shipbuilders and designers improve design and construction efficiencies and manage project costs.