ABS launches Unified Offshore Rules for better support

The American Bureau of Shipping has launched new Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Units (Offshore Rules), consolidating multiple rule sets into a single, unified document. These new rules incorporate risk-based approaches for assessing new technologies and provide easier navigation to better support clients.

This forward-thinking initiative is part of an ongoing, multi-year collaboration with the industry, including shipyards, owners, equipment manufacturers, designers, and regulators, aimed at keeping pace with the rapid technological advancements and innovations driven by digitalization and decarbonization.

ABS has combined its previous rule sets for mobile offshore units and floating installations into a single, user-friendly publication, featuring a new format with improved graphics for greater clarity, enhanced search functionality, and increased transparency regarding mandatory and optional notations.

“This is a major step forward in simplifying how our clients and the industry at large navigate ABS rules, allowing any combination of service function and structure type, all under one unified framework. ABS is committed to ensuring that the offshore industry has the most comprehensive, clear, efficient and up-to-date framework for the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore units and assets,” said Dan Cronin, ABS Vice President, Class Standards.

These updates follow enhancements made to ABS Marine Vessel Rules in January 2024 and in 2023 where ABS launched industry’s only Custom Rule Book application, a powerful new tool which allows users to instantly create tailored rules sets for their specific vessel or project.

ABS Offshore Rules, available here, will take effect January 1, 2025. To support a smooth transition, ABS is allowing a year of grace specifically for users of the current Floating Production Installation and Facilities Rules, where those clients can choose to continue classing their assets under current ABS Rules or transition to the new ABS Offshore Rules. For more information or to ask questions, contact your local ABS office.

LINK TO THE PRESS RELEASE