Operating MOUs and FPSOs requires zero tolerance of failure. At the same time, one must not overspecify requirements. DNV’s classification services assure owners, authorities and other stakeholders that the facility complies with classification rules and requirements independent of location. A flexible regime enables that appropriate rules and criteria are used and an optimum design verification approach is applied.

Purpose

Ensure the design's compliance with the codes and standards for the project.

Benefits

Design approval activities ensure yards and owners that the design of the object to be classified complies with DNV class rules. A flexible regime ensures that correct rules and criteria are used and an optimum design verification approach is applied for both harsh environment and benign units. Design approval is the first of many steps to make sure that the final object satisfies the society’s requirements and can be entered into class upon completion of fabrication, testing and commissioning.

Our approach

Documents for approval are specified for all common types of mobile offshore units, including column-stabilised units, self-elevating units and ship-shaped units. These form the basis for the design approval process. Design approval is based on a combination of document reviews and spot check calculations, independent analyses and technical workshops.

Knowledge of the design and the designer, as well as the extent of novel features and the complexity of structure and systems will decide the actual approach, and whether independent structural or system analyses are considered necessary for full design approval.

Design approval includes initial review, issue of comments and review of next document revision to confirm the incorporation of DNV comments.

The aim of the design approval process is to confirm that the design of the object to be classified complies with DNV class rules. This is the first of many steps to ensure that the final object satisfies the society’s requirements and can be entered into class upon completion of fabrication, testing and commissioning.

Design approval generates approved drawings with approval letters containing approval comments.