New rule to meet more specific FSRU classification needs

These vary from floating facilities that may well remain in the same place for many years, to FSRUs deployed for much shorter periods which may also trade as LNG carriers. The classification society notes that demand for LNG as a clean and cost-competitive energy source is underpinning a requirement for more FSRUs deployed across an increasingly diverse range of projects.
The rule has been published following consultation with the classification society’s FSRU clients and tackles the different functions of FSRUs whilst maintaining a unified approach to safety and design. The result is two distinct class notations. “Liquefied gas carrier – FSRU” notation is based on existing LNG carrier classification rules but also covers possible deployment as a floating storage unit and/or floating regasification facility. This notation would allow the suspension of the traditional five-year docking class survey regime if the unit were deployed in FSRU operation.
Meanwhile, “FSRU notation” will be issued to units which are dedicated to gas storage and regasification and will not operate in LNG transportation. This notation includes optimisation for site conditions, a survey regime applicable to permanent units in constant operation, and no five-year docking requirement. Some exemptions from the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) would also be allowed.
“FSRUs are a special market with both ‘marine’ and ‘offshore’ approaches and requirements involved,” explained BV’s marine technical director, Jean-François Segretain. “These new rules take into account the specific technical, regulatory, operational and environmental requirements of FSRU stakeholders to provide a much higher level of confidence when making significant commercial decisions.”