Classification specialist ABS has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a group of Korean companies to develop new offshore design standards.

ABS is teaming up with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to establish a joint-industry project (JIP) with leading operators, drilling contractors and engineering companies to develop new international design standards for offshore oil and gas projects.

The objective of the JIP is to establish new global design standardisation procedures based on relevant industry standards, international regulations and class requirements across the offshore industry.

ABS will lead the standardisation process to verify technical compatibility of the developed standards, conduct safety and risk assessments, and provide a gap analysis report.

In a first step to convene the JIP and discuss ways to develop criteria to help shipbuilders and designers improve design and construction efficiencies and manage project costs, ABS hosted a two-day workshop in mid-October with representatives from HHI, DSME, SHI, Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association and KOMERI with participating operators, contractors and engineering companies based in Houston.

“ABS is ready to work with industry stakeholders towards standardising offshore designs to improve quality, safety and efficiency in design, construction and project execution,” said Dr. Hoseong Lee, ABS vice president of global Korea business development and the ABS Korea Energy Technology Center, who is leading the JIP effort.

“We believe material, equipment and design standardisation among shipbuilders and designers, particularly on complex offshore structures, has significant potential to improve overall construction economics and enhance safety.”