DNV GL has launched a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to address issues associated with faulty pipe and cable installations that can potentially prove costly to the oil & gas industry. The project will be centred on standards, recommended practices and methodology pertaining to installation of pipes, umbilicals and power cables.
The JIP seeks to unearth typical challenges that arise in the planning and designing of marine operations and ultimately establish universal guidelines for all installations.
The main objective of the JIP is to standardise procedures for planning and design of lay operations, irrespective of operator (oil company). “At DNV GL, we see a great variety in the quality of installation analysis reports we receive from the industry. Although there are many examples of good engineering practice, we often find ourselves commenting on the same issues. By providing the industry with relevant guidelines, we hope to improve the efficiency and quality of both installation engineering and verification work,” said Elisabeth Gjølmesli, principal engineer – Riser Technology, DNV GL.
At the same time, the JIP will also ensure an overall understanding of design requirements arising from installation loads (essential for suppliers); guarantee overall understanding of typical behaviour and limitations inherent in pipes, umbilicals and cables (essential for installation contractors); compile the industry’s best practice through workshops, and straighten out inconsistencies between codes that are currently in use.
The project will run for 12-18 months and is intended to incorporate the output into existing DNV GL Rules and Standards.
The JIP has signed on 20 partners including: ABB, Allseas, Boskalis/VSMC, Bureau Veritas, EMAS, Heerema, Hyundai Heavy Industries, JFE Steel, KW Ltd, McDermott, Nexans, NOV, Petrobras, Saipem, Statoil, Subsea7, Technip, Tideway, Wood Group Kenny and Woodside.
