The new rules have been established in order to reflect industry best practice and to take into account new novel designs of wind turbine that have appeared in recent years. The rules form part of Lloyds Register wider Mobile Offshore Unit Rule set 2013 and relates mostly to vessels engaged in wind turbine installation and/or maintenance including lifeboats. Vessels that comply with the new requirements will be awarded a new notion (MainWIND).
The release coincides with reports that operators are suffering from a substantial incremental rise in the construction of offshore wind projects and casts new light on the value of third-party assurance and the issue of how certification authorities are informing asset design and construction.
“It is critical that throughout the process of independent assurance, there is an eye to the future of the industry as well as current guidelines” said Rob Whillock, Offshore Renewables Lead Naval Architect at Lloyd’s Register. “As the industry matures, we will see a greater number of larger turbines being installed in deeper water and further from shore, such as the planned 9GW wind farm at Dogger Bank, which lies some 125km off the east coast of England. Such developments will require owners and operators of offshore wind farms to rethink their installation and service vessels entirely. The new Lloyd’s Register Rules highlight the importance of independent technical assessment of structures, systems and capabilities. We are demonstrating to the world that our offshore Rules reflect best practice.”
In the past, offshore wind projects have tended to run late and over-budget, however the industry is predicted to grow at pace, particularly given the estimation of the European Environment Agency (EEA) that Europe’s offshore wind potential will be able to meet the continent’s energy demand seven times over. The new rules will therefore help clients understand the classification process as well as setting clear guidelines concerning various vessels and unit types. The rules are accompanied by a set of client guidance notes which provide summary information on classification rules and regulations, national administration requirements, required documentation and rules concerning various types of units used in installing/maintaining offshore wind turbines.
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