Classification Principles for Very Large Floating Structures

Abstract – Very Large Floating Structures (VLFS) had been widely used in the offshore oil & gas industry for the past decades as a versatile platform for the exploration, exploitation and processing of seabed mineral resources. The classification principles of ships had been successfully applied to these Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs) by providing assurance that a set of requirements laid down in the classification rules are met during its design and construction and maintained during its operational phase with the aim to ensure that the required safety standards are met. Recently, the concept of VLFS is promulgated in other industries like power generation, residential, agriculture, etc. As an example on how classification principles can be applied to VLFS in new industries, the DNV GL’s new rules on offshore fish farming units and installations (DNVGL-RU-OU-0503) is being applied to an offshore fish farm. This paper will look at how application of classification rules can help in the design of VLFS to help it rapidly gain recognition from the authorities in terms of achieving an adequate level of safety and quality.