The goal is to define conditions under which a GustoMSC CJ46-X100-D jackup rig designed for unrestricted service can be rated for full operational drilling capabilities in areas with a relatively weak soil top layer and a more benign environment. The GustoMSC CJ46-X100-D jackup rig is designed with environmental criteria derived from the southern North Sea and a bearing pressure of 53.5 MT/m2 (10.96 ksf); however, the maximum soil bearing pressure in some areas of the Arabian Gulf and elsewhere cannot exceed 41.5 MT/m2 (8.5 ksf).

This study describes the purpose, scope, and acceptance criteria for wind load assessments that are used in the Classification of offshore units and installations. Wind loadings are applied as external environmental forces when evaluating afloat stability, structural strength, and mooring system integrity for mobile offshore units and site-specific installations. Existing criteria in the Rules and industry standards are identified to show the usage of the wind loads and their varying characterization depending on purpose, such as time averaging period and vertical speed distribution. The current requirements are placed in historical context based on the development of the offshore Classification Rules over the last 50 years, and the evolution of tools and technology to carry out the computations over that period are discussed. Practical aspects of calculation and independent analysis are illustrated by applying the standard methodologies in example calculations, using a geometric model that is of similar layout and complexity compared to existing offshore units. Sample calculations are presented as typically performed by Class in an independently developed model, and sensitivity analysis is used to point out areas where results may diverge depending on the approach by the assessor. The effect of these modeling decisions to evaluate wind moment is put in perspective by showing the change in the allowable vertical center of gravity, which relates directly to the deck load capacity of the platform. The result is a consolidated illustration of the Classification methodology for wind load analysis, which has been uniformly applied to a large number of offshore units and installations over a significant period of time. The importance of common assumptions and approach is highlighted, based on the effect that varying certain parameters has on overall results of the wind load calculation. The resulting impact of wind load changes on the stability, mooring, or structural analysis will be further shown. This will assist in providing visibility to industry on what constitutes a complete report of the wind loads for Classification purposes, how detailed a model should be for basic and detail design purposes, and how to improve confidence in the submission and approval process during design.

For vessels which operate offshore for extended periods, there has been industry interest in providing means to recharge the battery systems without repeated return to port. Solutions would ideally use renewably sourced power as opposed to onboard charging from diesel engines. The electric charging buoy is a concept that has arisen based on existing technologies from the single point mooring (SPM) buoy. To support this innovation, we can draw from experience with offshore vessels, SPMs, and electrical transmission and storage systems as they relate to safety of personnel and assets at sea. The result has been the development of Classification requirements for charging buoys which address issues such as system design, operating philosophy, operations, testing and verification. Electrical safety and establishing connections in a marine environment are fundamental to deploying this technology. Key factors include the buoy structure, power sources (e.g. onshore grid connection, offshore substation, offshore wind turbines), voltage ranges, power quality, maximum allowable current, and on-buoy systems such as transformers, converters, and cables. It is also important to address risks related to vessel profiles for connection time to the buoy and the environmental conditions which may be experienced. This paper outlines the considerations for SPM-based charging and the process by which existing standards have been combined with established practice to develop criteria, including input from interested stakeholder organizations that are engaged in battery powered operations. The new Rules are presented along with their underlying goals. Readers will gain an understanding of the process and the importance of supporting innovation in the energy transition, from the design stage through construction and in-service surveys.

Experience in the offshore industry demonstrates that while vessels such as mobile offshore units are designed to provide watertight integrity (WTI), incidents continue to test their WTI from time to time. Owner investigations sometimes show flooding has progressed to hull compartments beyond the original breach. With the worldwide fleet of mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) increasing to nearly 1,000 units in the next few years, the industry is seeking a greater understanding of the threat of progressive flooding during an incident and the benefits of available control measures. One such control measure to be discussed in this paper is a program of comprehensive, owner-driven audits to verify the crew's maintenance performance.On MODUs, maintenance attention naturally focuses on the drilling process. In day-to-day operations, drilling equipment is susceptible to wear and tear, which can occasionally lead to downtime and an immediate need for repair and maintenance. Safety-critical marine equipment might only show flaws on those rare occasions when it must function as intended, without failure, such as in a marine safety drill or emergency. A natural tendency for "complacency" and "errors in risk perception" can affect the timely maintenance of marine equipment differently than drilling equipment. WTI audits address the need to properly assess the maintenance requirements of the hull structure as well as specific marine equipment on board the vessel. These vessel-specific, owner-driven audits would supplement periodic class surveys to verify how well the crew is performing this maintenance. Whenever possible, the owner would conduct this maintenance while afloat and without significant downtime. The benefits that can be realized from owner-driven audits would be to avoid major flooding incidents across all types of mobile offshore units; improving industry safety performance on MODUs (especially aging units, non-self-propelled units, and newbuilds which have experienced the most problems) and production installations; reducing unexpected downtime during out-of-service periods; and increasing the crew's awareness, which can lead to improved competence, quality, and safety culture. Ideally, best practices and lessons learned from the WTI audits would be shared with the industry to improve maintenance of watertight integrity and owner inspection practices.

With the Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement adopted, there are emerging efforts to satisfy the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change. This paper will provide the role of offshore carbon capture, storage, and injection to achieve the goals set by the SDGs. The paper will also address industry activities, technical and operational practices, equipment safety, and status of regulations, and codes and standards. The paper will begin with an overview of carbon capture technologies, storage options, and injection capabilities. It will provide details on the current regulatory framework and codes and standards for transportation, storage, processing, and injection of CO2 offshore using various types of structures. The paper will address the areas of additional safety and structural requirements which may be needed for this concept. Additional topics will include the use of green energy options offshore, need for associated equipment verification, and associated risks to environment, people, and assets. This paper will provide a summary of how this application of carbon capture, storage, and injection in offshore may assist in achieving the goals stated by the regulatory drivers, Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement. CO2 transportation such as by pipeline and vessels will be discussed along with facility processing and injection including fixed platform, floating facility without storage, and floating facility with storage. Current regulations are written for hydrocarbon facilities and these need to be adjusted to address CO2 storage onboard, processing, and injection risks. Green energy options such as wind power may be utilized for offshore carbon capture operations, and these will also be analyzed to reduce the carbon footprint. The conclusion is that as the industry continues to mature, there is a need for continued efforts to develop the regulations, codes and standards, and equipment verification to provide sufficient safety guidance for these operations. The paper provides the value of implementing carbon capture, transportation, and storage for the marine and offshore industry. This technology combination may also provide insight into offshore options for carbon reduction. The paper will also provide insight on risks associated with this operation, the call for development to the codes and standards, and marine transportation and storage of CO2 onboard.