Bureau Veritas has published a new Rule (NR645) for the classification of Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), which sets out technical requirements to address technical and operational issues.
These requirements span demand for units that may operate as a floating terminal for one or more decades to FSRUs that may be required for much shorter periods and whose operators may want the option of trading as an LNG carrier.
The rules address this range of needs while also applying a unified approach to safety and design challenges and providing clarity in terms of classification requirements by offering two distinct class notations: The Liquefied Gas Carrier -FSRU notation and the FSRU notation.
The Liquefied Gas Carrier -FSRU notation enables gas trading in addition to floating storage and regasification terminal operations, offering the possibility of exemption from the traditional class survey regime. On the other hand, the FSRU notation is applicable only on units dedicated to pure gas storage and regasification terminal operations and not intending to trade.
Jean-François Segretain, Marine Technical Director, Bureau Veritas, noted: ‘FSRUs are a special market with both ‘marine’ and ‘offshore’ approaches and requirements involved. So, FSRU projects raise a lot of questions from all stakeholders. 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.’
