LR publishes offshore collision guidance notes

The notes are intended to assist owners, operators, and designers of offshore units with identifying potential collision scenarios, assessing the relative risks and conducting numerical analysis, establishing representative collision loads, and measuring the impact of these loads on the structural integrity of offshore units.

Lloyd’s Register says that a collision may occur as a result of a vessel losing its positioning or navigational abilities due to structural, mechanical, or electrical failure, human error, and environmental conditions.

“Assessing the impact of potential collisions is critical to the longevity of any offshore unit not only from a design perspective, but also to help ensure a safe operating environment,” said Phil Rushton, senior engineer for offshore structures, one of the authors responsible for the guidance notes.

A primary goal is to provide the direction and criteria to help industry increase the level of protection against collisions at sea. The notes cover everything from vessel groundings to collisions with merchant, naval, and support vessels.

“Collisions at sea represent one of the top safety hazards for any operator,” said Mr Rushton. “Mitigating collision risks is vital to the protection of our environment, the safety of industry’s people working offshore and the longevity of offshore energy infrastructure.”

The notes support the Rules for Offshore Units, issued in July 2014. They provide in-depth technical guidance for collision mechanics, and offer developments in risk assessment methodologies.