ABS recently issued guidance in order to provide class requirements for the design, construction, installation and survey of mobile offshore mining units.
In fact, the initiative addresses three major elements: the hull structure, the anchoring and equipment, and onboard machinery, equipment and systems.
The world demand for metals required for new forms of transportation and electrical storage is increasing. Metals such as copper, cobalt, nickel and manganese exist on land, but are increasingly difficult to extract sustainably. Subsea mining, with the abundant resources on the seabed, offers an alternative.
…said Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore.
The guide applies to mobile offshore mining units primarily intended for subsea mining operations with the associated subsea mining systems and equipment defined in 1/7.8.
The associated operating activities of mobile offshore mining units may include:
- Deployment of subsea mining tools (SMTs) using launch and recovery systems
- Collection of nodules, disaggregating of polymetallic crust and seafloor massive sulfides deposits using subsea mining tools
- Transport of nodules or slurry from the seafloor to the mobile offshore mining unit using the subsea mining riser and lift systems
- Extraction of ore from slurry using on board dewatering and cargo handling systems
- Return of mine tailings back to the depth required by International Seabed Authority (ISA) or coastal states using the subsea mining downcomer and pumping systems
- Ship to ship transfer of ore from the mobile offshore mining unit to support vessels or barges while on station
This Guide underscores the ABS mission to promote the safety of life, property, and the environment by helping the industry develop safer offshore mining units, and subsea mining equipment and systems.
… Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore concluded.
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