ABS, the leading provider of classification services to the global offshore industry, has granted Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (MES) approval in principle (AIP) for a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel design and an epoch-making construction concept.
This work is the result of an ABS/MES joint development project that began in March 2015. The "noah-flex modular design" for the FPSO and the flexible construction procedure, "noah-flex modular construction," were granted AIP on 15 September.
"ABS is working with industry to develop and employ new technologies," says ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. "To effectively support Class of the Future, ABS has to provide the services the industry needs to make adjustments as operating conditions and markets change. Granting AIP to new technologies is an essential element of that future."
"ABS is one of the world's leading classification societies with excellent technology and a wealth of know-how in the offshore industry," says MES General Manager Dr. Taketsune Matsumura. "MES recognizes that ABS is our dependable partner and plays an indispensable role in developing and realizing such an epoch-making concept as our "noah-FPSO Hull."
The noah-flex modular construction processes consists of multiple steps that take place in parallel to shorten the construction time efficiently, with keel laying marking the commencement of construction. The first step of the project is FPSO design and hull construction, including propulsion and relevant machinery equipment/systems, which will be carried out by MES, Japan while construction of the oil storage component takes place at another yard, outside Japan for example. Following this process, the topside facilities will be subsequently/simultaneously fabricated in the different/the same shipyard and installed on the elongated hull, after which the completed FPSO will move to the specified operation site for hookup and commissioning.
The FPSO design will be reviewed for compliance with the ABS Rules and applicable International/National Regulations to make sure the unit is in full compliance, particularly when executing transits from one shipyard to another during construction.
"ABS recognizes that working with industry to advance technology is critical," says ABS Special Advisor Ken Tamura. "Engaging in this project with Mitsui provided ABS the opportunity to help shape the future of vessel construction."
