New rules for OSVs and tugs issued by Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas has issued new rules for the classification of offshore service vessels and tugs, to provide the industry with an end-user friendly system of class notations.

The new rules include new class notations for pipelay vessels, accommodation units, offshore construction vessels and offshore support vessels.

“With this new publication Bureau Veritas provides the industry with a clear framework for the classification of offshore service vessels and tugs reflecting the terminology used by the industry,” said Gijsbert de Jong, Bureau Veritas marine marketing and sales director.

He pointed out that new and updated class notations have been included for wind turbine installation vessels, self-elevating units (covering the legs and elevating systems fitted on liftboats) and Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs) Code compliant accommodation.

Service notations for tugs and escort tugs have also been included with indications for the design values of bollard pull, steering/braking force and speed, in combination with operating area notations for restricted operations as applicable.

The new rules also set out requirements for vessels performing 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 duties.

The rules entered into force on 1 July 2017 as described in a new booklet (NR467-E), which is now part of the Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships.