Rules for Building and Classing Floating Production Installations published by ABS

The American Bureau of Shipping has published the Rules for Building and Classing Floating Production Installations.

This document was published on January 1st, 2023, and became effective on the same date.

These Rules specify the ABS requirements for building and classing Floating Production Installations (FPIs) that should be used by designers, builders, Owners and Operators in the offshore industry.

The requirements contained in these Rules are for design, construction, and survey after construction of the floating installation (including hull structure, equipment and marine machinery), the position mooring system and the hydrocarbon production facilities.

Floating installations of the ship-type, column-stabilizedtype, tension leg platforms and spar installations are included, as well as existing vessels converted to FPIs.

The requirements for optional notations for disconnectable floating installations, dynamic positioning systems and import/export systems are also provided.

These Rules are to be used in conjunction with other ABS Rules and Guides, as specified herein.

In general, until the effective date, plan approval for designs will follow prior practice unless review under these Rules is specifically requested by the party signatory to the application for classification.

Changes to Conditions of Classification (1 January 2008)

For the 2008 edition, Part 1, Chapter 1, “Scope and Conditions of Classification” was consolidated into a generic booklet, entitled Rules for Conditions of Classification – Offshore Units and Structures (Part 1) for all units, installations, vessels or systems in offshore service.

The purpose of this consolidation was to emphasize the common applicability of the classification requirements in “Part 1, Chapter 1” to ABS-classed offshore units, pipelines, risers, and other offshore structures, and thereby make “Conditions of Classification” more readily a common Rule of the various ABS Rules and Guides, as appropriate.

Thus, Part 1, Chapter 1 of these Rules specifies only the unique requirements applicable to floating production installations.

If you need more information, please visit the ABS Rules and Guides page, where the document is available FOR FREE.