April 2 - DNV GL has established a joint industry project (JIP) to develop practical methods for reducing the risks and lifetime cost of steel wire ropes for subsea lifting applications, using an integrated systems approach.
Fourteen diverse industry players have already signed up to participate in the JIP and more partners are welcomed, especially oil and gas operators, said DNV GL's project manager, Inger-Lise Tangen.
The rapidly growing number of subsea field developments worldwide will demand greater focus on safe execution of subsea lifting operations, both in the installation phase and throughout the lifetime of the field. High safety levels will be even more important going into deeper and ultra-deep waters, lifting larger and heavier equipment and more complex and expensive structures, explained DNV GL.
However, there are limited rules, regulations and standards suitable for ensuring and assessing the integrity of steel wire ropes for subsea lifting, especially for larger diameter ropes. A number of different factors can influence the integrity of a steel wire rope, but the knowledge of their effect and interaction, and how to assess them, is currently limited.
"Industry players have expressed concerns related to today's knowledge levels, competence and technology related to assessment of the condition and integrity of wire ropes," explained Tangen. "This is why DNV GL in cooperation with the industry has established a JIP with the aim of developing a recommended practice for integrity management of steel wire ropes used for subsea lifting applications."
The new methods for integrity management of steel wire ropes will form the basis for documentation of the safety and reliability of integrated systems according to DNV-OS-E407, throughout the service life of the rope until it is duly discarded.
Current partners of the JIP include Bridon; DMT GmbH & Co. KG; DOF Management; Farstad Shipping AS; GC Rieber Shipping ASA; Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SE; Huisman Equipment bv; National Oilwell Varco (NOV); Redaelli; Rolls Royce Marine AS; Saipem; Technip UK Ltd; TEUFELBERGER Seil GmbH; and W. Giertsen Services AS.
Industry players interested in more information about the JIP should contact Tangen by emailing Inger.Lise.Tangen@dnv.com or calling +47 980 38 455.
