DNVGL approves Chinese offshore units
The maritime classification company DNV GL has presented China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) with approval in principle (AIP) certificates for two new offshore units: an arctic single column drilling unit and a wind turbine shuttle.
The certificates confirm that DNV GL has assessed each of the two designs according to class rules and found no significant obstacles that would prevent the concept from being realised. The arctic single column drilling unit (SCDU) consists of a round floater with an upper and a lower hull, an enclosed deckhouse, and a round footing.
It is designed exploration and development drilling operations in water depths up to 700 m in moderate environments, including arctic and subarctic areas. The round conical shape of the strengthened hull structure can deflect and break the ice, protecting the drilling riser and other equipment in the moonpool against level ice. (kd)