August 31 - International classification society Bureau Veritas has issued new rules for the classification of offshore service vessels (OSV) and tugs.
The new rules set out requirements for the classification of vessels performing construction, installation, maintenance and other support activities at sea.
The requirements cover towing, anchor handling, supply, fire-fighting, oil recovery, diving support, lifting, standby and rescue, accommodation, pipe laying, cable laying and semi-submersible heavy transport vessels.
Gijsbert de Jong, Bureau Veritas marine marketing and sales director, said: "With this new publication Bureau Veritas provides the industry with a clear framework for the classification of offshore service vessels and tugs based on an end-user friendly system of class notations reflecting the terminology used by the industry."
New and updated class notations and service features have also been included for wind turbine installation vessels and self-elevating units, as well the service notations for tugs and escort tugs.
Feedback, from international cross-industry projects and working such as SafeTug and a range of IMO groups focused on stability for towing, anchor handling, lifting operations, and supply operations, has been incorporated into the new rules, says Bureau Veritas.
