OFFSHORE STANDARD

DNV-OS-E403

OFFSHORE LOADING BUOYS

APRIL 2005

DET NORSKE VERITAS

FOREWORD
DET NORSKE VERITAS (DNV) is an autonomous and independent foundation with the objectives of safeguarding life, prop-
erty and the environment, at sea and onshore. DNV undertakes classification, certification, and other verification and consultancy
services relating to quality of ships, offshore units and installations, and onshore industries worldwide, and carries out research
in relation to these functions.
DNV Offshore Codes consist of a three level hierarchy of documents:
— Offshore Service Specifications. Provide principles and procedures of DNV classification, certification, verification and con-
sultancy services.
— Offshore Standards. Provide technical provisions and acceptance criteria for general use by the offshore industry as well as
the technical basis for DNV offshore services.
— Recommended Practices. Provide proven technology and sound engineering practice as well as guidance for the higher level
Offshore Service Specifications and Offshore Standards.
DNV Offshore Codes are offered within the following areas:
A) Qualification, Quality and Safety Methodology
B) Materials Technology
C) Structures
D) Systems
E) Special Facilities
F) Pipelines and Risers
G) Asset Operation
H) Marine Operations
J) Wind Turbines

Amendments and Corrections

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Introduction – Page 3

Introduction Due to a recent increased activity and demand for DNV serv-
The now superseded MOU Class Rules' chapter on offshore ices a new DNV Offshore Standard has therefore been devel-
loading buoys was not included in the transition from MOU oped based on the contents of the withdrawn MOU Rules Pt.5
Rules to DNV Offshore Standards, since the MOU Rules were Ch.5 with updates and additions based on current knowledge
terminated in 2000. and experience feed-back.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 4 – Introduction

DET NORSKE VERITAS

 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Contents – Page 5

CONTENTS

CH. 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................ 7 B. Materials and Structural Categorisation ...............................19

B 100 Materials ......................................................................... 19
Sec. 1 Introduction........................................................... 9 B 200 Structural categorisation ................................................. 19
A. General.................................................................................... 9 C. Design Loads ........................................................................19
A 100 Introduction....................................................................... 9 C 100 General............................................................................ 19
A 200 Objectives ......................................................................... 9 C 200 Functional loads.............................................................. 19
A 300 Organisation of the standard ............................................. 9 C 300 Environmental loads ....................................................... 19
A 400 Scope and application ....................................................... 9 C 400 Accidental loads.............................................................. 19
B. References .............................................................................. 9 D. Loading Conditions ..............................................................19
B 100 General.............................................................................. 9 D 100 General............................................................................ 19
B 200 Normative references........................................................ 9
D 200 Load cases....................................................................... 19
C. Definitions ............................................................................ 10
C 100 Verbal forms ................................................................... 10 E. Local Strength.......................................................................20
C 200 Terms and definitions ..................................................... 10 E 100 General............................................................................ 20
C 300 Abbreviations.................................................................. 10 E 200 Slewing bearings............................................................. 20
E 300 Universal joints............................................................... 20
D. Documentation...................................................................... 11
D 100 Design documentation .................................................... 11 Sec. 4 Anchoring and Mooring .................................... 21
CH. 2 TECHNICAL PROVISIONS ............................ 13 A. Anchoring .............................................................................21
A 100 General............................................................................ 21
Sec. 1 Loading/Unloading Facilities and A 200 Special provision for loading buoys ............................... 21
Arrangements ...................................................... 15 A 300 Anchors........................................................................... 21
A 400 Anchor lines.................................................................... 21
A. General.................................................................................. 15
A 100 Application...................................................................... 15 B. Mooring ................................................................................21
B 100 Mooring hawsers ............................................................ 21
B. Environment and Site Location ........................................... 15 B 200 Compensators ................................................................. 21
B 100 General............................................................................ 15
Sec. 5 Stability and Watertight Integrity .................... 22
C. Arrangements........................................................................ 15
C 100 Structural arrangements .................................................. 15 A. General..................................................................................22
C 200 Separation of areas.......................................................... 15 A 100 Application ..................................................................... 22
C 300 Safety provisions............................................................. 15 A 200 Draft marks .................................................................... 22
C 400 Equipment and piping..................................................... 15
C 500 Precautions against fire................................................... 15 B. Intact Stability.......................................................................22
D. Marking and Warning Signboards........................................ 15 B 100 General............................................................................ 22
D 100 General............................................................................ 15 B 200 Stability calculations....................................................... 22

E. Fluid Transfer Systems......................................................... 16 C. Damage Stability ..................................................................22

E 100 General............................................................................ 16 C 100 General............................................................................ 22
C 200 Exposed collision zones.................................................. 22
F. Equipment Design ................................................................ 16
F 100 General............................................................................ 16 Sec. 6 Piping, Equipment and Hoses ........................... 23
F 200 Loads............................................................................... 16
F 300 Design pressure and temperature.................................... 16 A. Piping....................................................................................23
A 100 General............................................................................ 23
Sec. 2 Materials and Corrosion Protection ................. 17
B. Mechanical Equipment .........................................................23
A. General.................................................................................. 17 B 100 Bilge and sounding systems............................................ 23
A 100 Objective......................................................................... 17 B 200 Pipe swivel...................................................................... 23
B 300 Lifting equipment ........................................................... 23
B. Principles .............................................................................. 17
B 100 General............................................................................ 17 C. Floating Hoses ......................................................................23
C 100 General............................................................................ 23
C. Specific Requirements.......................................................... 17
C 100 Structural materials ......................................................... 17 D. Underbuoy Hoses and Pipes .................................................23
C 200 Corrosion protection of structures .................................. 17 D 100 General............................................................................ 23
C 300 Materials for pressure vessels, piping and equipment .... 17
C 400 Bolts and nuts ................................................................. 17 Sec. 7 Hazardous Area and Ventilation ...................... 24
C 500 Sealing materials and polymers ...................................... 17
D. Material Certificates ............................................................. 17 A. General..................................................................................24
D 100 General............................................................................ 17 A 100 Application ..................................................................... 24
D 200 Type of document ........................................................... 17
B. Specific Requirements ..........................................................24
E. Corrosion Protection of Systems and Equipment................. 18 B 100 General............................................................................ 24
E 100 General............................................................................ 18 B 200 Enclosed areas ................................................................ 24

Sec. 3 Structural Strength............................................. 19 Sec. 8 Electrical Installations ....................................... 25

A. General.................................................................................. 19 A. General..................................................................................25
A 100 Application...................................................................... 19 A 100 Application ..................................................................... 25

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 6 – Contents

Sec. 9 Fire Safety ........................................................... 26 C. Classification ........................................................................31

C 100 General ............................................................................31
A. General.................................................................................. 26 C 200 Assumptions....................................................................31
A 100 Application......................................................................26 C 300 National regulations ........................................................31
B. Specific Requirements for Offshore Loading Buoys ........... 26 Sec. 2 Design Approval................................................. 32
B 100 General ............................................................................26
B 200 Unmanned buoys.............................................................26 A. General..................................................................................32
B 300 Not permanently manned buoys .....................................26 A 100 General ............................................................................32
Sec. 10 Control Systems.................................................. 27 B. Documentation...................................................................... 32
A. General.................................................................................. 27 B 100 Design documentation.....................................................32
A 100 Application......................................................................27
C. Stability and Watertight Integrity .........................................32
B. Basic Requirements .............................................................. 27 C 100 General ............................................................................32
B 100 Control of fluid transfer ..................................................27
B 200 Communication...............................................................27 D. Piping, Equipment and Loading Hoses ................................32
D 100 Torsional seals.................................................................32
C. Gas Detection System........................................................... 27
C 100 General ............................................................................27 E. Survey Arrangement............................................................. 32
E 100 General ............................................................................32
D. Alarm System ....................................................................... 27
D 100 General ............................................................................27 Sec. 3 Certification of Materials and Equipment....... 33
Sec. 11 Manufacture, Sea Transport and A. Certification of Materials......................................................33
Commissioning .................................................... 28 A 100 General ............................................................................33
A. General.................................................................................. 28 B. Certification of Components and Equipment .......................33
A 100 Application......................................................................28 B 100 General ............................................................................33
B. Manufacture of Equipment and Piping................................. 28 C. Equipment Categorisation .................................................... 33
B 100 Pipe swivel ......................................................................28 C 100 General ............................................................................33
B 200 Torsional seals.................................................................28
C. Installation and Commissioning ........................................... 28 Sec. 4 Survey during Construction.............................. 35
C 100 Installations .....................................................................28
C 200 Pre-commissioning..........................................................28 A. General..................................................................................35
A 100 General ............................................................................35
CH. 3 CERTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION 29
Sec. 5 Surveys at Testing and Installation .................. 36
Sec. 1 Certification and Classification ........................ 31
A. Pre-commissioning ...............................................................36
A. General.................................................................................. 31 A 100 General ............................................................................36
A 100 Introduction .....................................................................31
A 200 Definitions.......................................................................31 Sec. 6 Classification in Operation................................ 37
B. Certification .......................................................................... 31 A. General..................................................................................37
B 100 General ............................................................................31 A 100 General ............................................................................37

DET NORSKE VERITAS

 OFFSHORE STANDARD
DNV-OS-E403

OFFSHORE LOADING BUOYS

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS PAGE
Sec. 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 9

DET NORSKE VERITAS

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.1 Sec.1 – Page 9

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

A. General B. References
A 100 Introduction B 100 General
101 This standard gives criteria and guidance on design, fab- 101 In case of conflict between requirements of this standard
rication, installation and testing of offshore loading buoys. and a reference document, the requirements of this standard
shall prevail.
102 The standard applies to floating (i.e. buoy) systems in-
tended for loading/ unloading of fluid cargoes such as crude 102 For undated references, the latest edition of the refer-
oil, petroleum gas etc. into/from ships or other units in open enced document (including any amendments) applies. For dat-
sea. ed references, the edition cited applies.
103 The standard has been written for general worldwide ap- 103 Codes and standards other than those listed may be ac-
plication in benign waters. Buoys intended for harsh environ- ceptable as alternative or supplementary requirements, provid-
ment use shall be subject to special consideration. ed that they can be demonstrated to achieve a comparable, or
higher, safety level.
Governmental regulations may include requirements in excess
of the provisions of this standard depending on the size, type, 104 Any deviations, exceptions and modifications to the
location and intended service of the offshore loading buoy. codes and standards shall be documented and agreed between
the contractor, purchaser and verifier, as applicable.
Guidance note:
In the context of this Offshore Standard benign waters is defined B 200 Normative references
as areas with significant wave height less than 8.5 m with a prob- 201 The referenced documents listed in Table B1 include
ability of exceedance of 10-2 (100 years return period).
provisions, which through reference in the text constitute pro-
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- visions of this standard. The latest issue of the references shall
be applied unless otherwise stated or agreed.
A 200 Objectives 202 Alternative recognised standards may be applied provid-
ed it can be demonstrated that these meet or exceed the require-
201 The objectives of this standard are to: ments of the standards referenced below.
— provide an internationally acceptable standard of safety 203 Any deviations, exceptions and modifications made in
for offshore loading buoys by defining minimum require- relation to the codes and standards shall be documented and
ments for the design, materials, construction and commis- agreed between the supplier, purchaser, and verifier, as appli-
sioning of such objects cable.
— serve as a technical reference document in contractual
matters between suppliers and purchasers Table B1 Normative Reference Documents
— serve as a guideline for designers, suppliers, and purchas- Reference Title
ers API RP 2RD Design of Risers for Floating Production Sys-
— specify requirements for offshore loading buoys subject to tems (FPSs) and Tension-Leg Platforms (TLPs)
DNV certification and classification. API RP 17B Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe
API Spec 17J Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe
A 300 Organisation of the standard API Spec 17K Specification for bonded flexible pipe".
301 This standard is divided into three main chapters: API RP 1111 Design, Construction, Operation and Mainte-
nance of Offshore Hydrocarbon Pipelines (Limit
— Chapter 1: General information, scope, definitions and State Design).
references. DNV-OS-A101 Safety Principles and Arrangement
— Chapter 2: Technical provisions for offshore loading bu- DNV-OS-B101 Metallic Materials
oys for general application. DNV-OS-C101 Design of Offshore Steel Structures, General
— Chapter 3: Specific procedures and requirements applica- (LRFD method)
ble for certification and classification of offshore loading DNV-OS-C201 Structural Design of Offshore Units
buoys in accordance with this standard. (WSD Method)
A 400 Scope and application DNV-OS-C301 Stability and Watertight Integrity
DNV-OS-C401 Fabrication and Testing of Offshore Structures
401 The standard covers the following systems and arrange- DNV-OS-C502 Concrete Structures
ments, including relevant equipment and structures:
DNV-OS-D101 Marine and Machinery Systems and Equipment
— arrangements DNV-OS-D201 Electrical Installations
— loads and load effects DNV-OS-D202 Instrumentation and Telecommunication
— structural strength Systems
— anchoring and mooring DNV-OS-D301 Fire Protection
— stability and watertight integrity DNV-OS-E201 Hydrocarbon Production Plant
— hazardous areas and ventilation DNV-OS-E301 Position Mooring
— marine machinery and piping DNV-OS-F101 Submarine Pipeline Systems
— electrical installation DNV-OS-F201 Dynamic Risers
— fluid transfer system and equipment DNV Rules for Certification of Lifting Appliances
— instrumentation and control systems. DNV Rules for Flexible Risers and Pipes

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 10 – Ch.1 Sec.1

ISO 898 Mechanical properties of fasteners 207 Emergency shelter area: The area comprising facilities
ISO 15156/ Materials for use in H2S-containing for overnight stays, simple catering, sanitary, office facilities
NACE MR0175 environments in oil and gas production and service spaces, as applicable.
OCIMF Guidelines for the Purchasing and Testing of 208 Emergency shutdown (ESD): A system for initiation of,
SPM Hawsers either by central manual controls or automatic, shutdown of all
OCIMF Recommendations for Equipment Employed in ignition sources and oil transfers on abnormal conditions.
the Mooring of Ships at Single Point Moorings
209 Equipment: A term used in general to denote all compo-
OCIMF Guide to Purchasing, Manufacturing and Testing nents constituting a system such as pressure vessels, heat ex-
of Loading and Discharge Hoses for Offshore
Moorings" within 100 m water depth, changers, atmospheric tanks, pumps, compressors, engines,
turbines, piping, skids etc.
210 Fluid transfer area: The area below and above the deck
of the buoy that accommodates piping and equipment contain-
C. Definitions ing the loading fluid.
C 100 Verbal forms 211 Fluid transfer system: Denotes the transfer of fluids
from the terminating end of riser, at riser top, e.g. connector, a
101 Shall: Indicates a mandatory requirement to be followed passage for fluid through the buoy and up to the unit moored
for fulfilment or compliance with the present standard. Devia- for loading including loading hose.
tions are not permitted unless formally and rigorously justified,
and accepted by all relevant contracting parties. 212 Machinery: A general term used to denote rotating and
reciprocating type of equipment.
102 Should: Indicates a recommendation that a certain
course of action is preferred or particularly suitable. Alterna- 213 Minimum design temperature (MDT): Minimum design
tive courses of action are allowable under the standard where operating or ambient start up temperature. The lowest predict-
agreed between contracting parties, but shall be justified and able metal temperature occurring during normal operations in-
documented. cluding start up and shut down situations is to be used. If no
thermal insulation is fitted, then ambient temperature shall be
103 May: Indicates a permission, or an opinion, which is per- used if this is lower than the temperature of the content.
mitted as a part of conformance with the standard.
Guidance note:
104 Can: Requirements with can are conditional and indi- Lowest daily mean temperature may be used as ambient temper-
cate a possibility to the user of the standard. ature.
C 200 Terms and definitions ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
201 Alarm: A combined optical and acoustic signal, where 214 Mooring system: Equipment needed for mooring ships
the acoustic part calls the attention of personnel, and the opti- or other units to the buoy.
cal part serves to identify the fault.
215 Not permanently manned buoy: A buoy which is occa-
202 Alarm systems: Comprise the total systems for warning sionally manned for maintenance/testing purposes during
of abnormal conditions (including sensors, central units and loading/unloading.
panels, and devices for calling the attention of the personnel).
216 Offshore loading buoys: A floating catenary anchored
203 Anchoring system: Equipment needed for the position- facility needed for loading of ships or other units in the open
ing of the buoy. sea from a stationary source of fluid.
204 Benign waters: Areas where the significant wave height 217 Pressure containing equipment: Implies in general to
is less than 8.5 m for a probability of exceedance of 10-2 (100
equipment or its component subjected to internal and external
years return period). pressure above or below atmospheric pressure.
205 Buoy: A floating body, normally of a cylindrical shape,
and fitted with mooring equipmentas necessary to perform the 218 Unmanned buoy: A buoy which is not manned during
mooring of a vessel and ensuring fluid transfer between pro- fluid transfer operation.
duction and/or storage unit or onshore installation and the 219 Utility area: An area used for the equipment not han-
moored vessel. dling hydrocarbons.
The buoy normally consists of the following main parts: 220 Utility piping: A piping for the support systems such as :
— hull (buoy structure) providing buoyancy and stability — starting air for combustion engines
— rotating part to which the vessel is moored and allowing — cooling water
weathervane, — steam or thermal fluid heating
— fixed part to which the mooring lines and underbuoy pipes — lubricating oil
are connected. — hydraulic power supply
— mooring system — pneumatic power supply
— riser system — fuel oil or fuel gas supply
— fluid transfer system — helicopter fuel
— auxiliary and safety systems — crude oil and gas used directly from production facilities,
— accommodation. crane and helideck (as applicable). where applicable
206 Control stations: Those spaces in which the following — vent pipes
equipment and functions are located: — drainage.

— emergency shutdown system (ESD) C 300 Abbreviations

— radio and main internal communication control 301 Abbreviations as shown in Table C1 are used in this
— control of the emergency source of power. standard.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.1 Sec.1 – Page 11

D. Documentation
Table C1 Abbreviations D 100 Design documentation
Abbrevi- In full 101 The following plans and particulars are normally pro-
ations duced to document offshore loading buoys (as applicable):
ANSI: American National Standards Institute.
API American Petroleum Institute — buoy structure including fairleads/anchor line stoppers
— turntable and bearings
BS British Standards(issued by British Standard Institution).
— universal joints
DNV Det Norske Veritas — loading boom/yoke
DVR Design Verification Report — helideck
EN Euro-norm — superstructure
IEC International Electrotechnical Committee — anchoring arrangement
— mooring arrangement
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
— complete specification of fire extinguishers
ISO International Standards Organisation — drawings showing details such as; the means for access to
LEL Lower Explosion Limit different enclosed areas.
LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design — general arrangement showing extent of hazardous areas/
MSA Manufacturing Survey Arrangement main layout drawings
— structural analysis
NACE: National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
— stability analysis
NDE Non Destructive Examination — anchoring analysis
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association. — mooring analysis
OCIMF Oil Companies International Marine Forum — main particulars for fluid transfer system such as:
SPM Single Point Mooring
— applicable codes and standards
SWL Safe Working Load — design temperature (min. and max.)
— design pressure rating
— fabrication specifications including pipe bending,
welding, heat treatment, type and extent of NDE, test-
ing etc.
— flow sheets of piping and instrumentation diagram
(P&ID) with reference to appropriate designation
— strength calculations.

DET NORSKE VERITAS

Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 12 – Ch.1 Sec.1

DET NORSKE VERITAS

 OFFSHORE STANDARD
DNV-OS-E403

OFFSHORE LOADING BUOYS

CHAPTER 2

TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

CONTENTS PAGE
Sec. 1 Loading/Unloading Facilities and Arrangements .................................................................... 15
Sec. 2 Materials and Corrosion Protection.......................................................................................... 17
Sec. 3 Structural Strength.................................................................................................................... 19
Sec. 4 Anchoring and Mooring ........................................................................................................... 21
Sec. 5 Stability and Watertight Integrity............................................................................................. 22
Sec. 6 Piping, Equipment and Hoses .................................................................................................. 23
Sec. 7 Hazardous Area and Ventilation .............................................................................................. 24
Sec. 8 Electrical Installations .............................................................................................................. 25
Sec. 9 Fire Safety ................................................................................................................................ 26
Sec. 10 Control Systems ....................................................................................................................... 27
Sec. 11 Manufacture, Sea Transport and Commissioning .................................................................... 28

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Veritasveien 1, NO-1322 Høvik, Norway Tel.: +47 67 57 99 00 Fax: +47 67 57 99 11
 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.1 – Page 15

SECTION 1
LOADING/UNLOADING FACILITIES AND ARRANGEMENTS

A. General and explosion.

202 The need for emergency shelter shall be evaluated for
A 100 Application each buoy. Complexity of the buoy, frequency of manning, en-
101 The requirements in this Section give design principles vironmental limitations etc. are to be considered.
for systems and equipment related to safety and utility on 203 Emergency shelter area, when provided on the buoy,
board the buoy. shall be separated from the fluid transfer area by A 60 rated fire
resisting division.
204 Where equipment for power generation and distribution,
B. Environment and Site Location fuel tanks and fire pumps are provided, such equipment shall
be located in an utility area. The area is to be enclosed by A 60
B 100 General rated partitions.
101 The buoy shall be suitable for the environmental condi- 205 Entrances, air inlets and openings to emergency shelter
tions at the site of location. The following aspects shall be tak- area shall normally not face the fluid transfer area.
en into consideration when establishing the environmental
loads, as applicable: C 300 Safety provisions
301 Requirements for rescue and evacuation means shall be
— motions of the buoy (i.e. heave, roll, pitch, sway, surge and in compliance with relevant National Authority requirements
yaw) in the area where the buoy will be located.
— wind forces
— air and sea temperatures Normally the following is to be provided as a minimum:
— waves
— obstruction lights
— current
— fog signal
— loads from possible snow and ice accumulation, sea ice
and icebergs — radar reflector
— tidal variations. — fire fighting equipment
— identification marks
102 The applicability of the site shall be evaluated and doc- — lifesaving appliances.
umented with regard to bottom conditions, manoeuvring area
and water depth. 302 Areas that can be manned shall be provided with an es-
cape route. The escape route shall facilitate escape from all en-
103 Loading buoys intended for operation in cold areas shall closed areas and work stations and is to lead to boat landing
be arranged so that water cannot be trapped in local structures and helicopter deck, as applicable.
or machinery exposed to the ambient temperature.
303 Escape routes shall be clearly marked.
C 400 Equipment and piping
C. Arrangements 401 All equipment and parts which are to be operated or sub-
ject to inspection and maintenance on board shall be installed
C 100 Structural arrangements and arranged for easy access.
101 The structural arrangement of the buoy shall be capable 402 Efficient control apparatus, guards, shields and other
of preventing complete structural collapse, loss of floatability means of protecting the personnel shall be incorporated, where
or capsizing due to malfunction, mal-operation, collision or necessary.
other accidental events. 403 Where flammable fluids may leak and accumulate, ade-
102 For hawser moorings a detachment criterion shall be es- quate spill collection and drain discharge shall be arranged.
tablished, expressing the worst environmental criterion under 404 Drain systems for non hazardous and hazardous areas
which the ship or offshore unit is allowed to remain attached. shall be kept separated from each other. For hazardous area
Guidance note: classification, ref Sec.7.
For practical purposes the detachment criterion should be related 405 Piping containing flammable gases or liquids shall not
to the hawser tension. pass through emergency shelters and control stations.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
C 500 Precautions against fire
103 For buoys provided with yoke connection or other simi- 501 The requirements in DNV-OS-D301 Ch.2 Sec.8 and
lar systems, the system design is either to be based on environ- DNV-OS-D101 Ch.2 Sec.1 A shall be complied with, as appli-
mental conditions with a return period of 100 years or the ship/ cable.
unit is to be provided with a detachment system which releases
when the maximum environmental criteria are exceeded.
C 200 Separation of areas D. Marking and Warning Signboards
201 The buoy shall be divided into main areas such as:
D 100 General
— fluid transfer area 101 Markings and signboards shall be placed at visible loca-
— utility area tions.
— emergency shelter area, as applicable.
102 Warning signs shall be displaced at locations and on ma-
Each area shall be arranged to reduce the consequences of fire chinery when the inadvertent use is dangerous to the safety.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 16 – Ch.2 Sec.1

E. Fluid Transfer Systems stallation, maintenance etc. shall be provided with properly de-
signed lifting attachment, e.g. lifting lugs.
E 100 General
101 Design limits, i.e. maximum and minimum allowable F 200 Loads
conditions for a component, shall take into account the effects 201 Any part of the equipment shall be designed for the most
of operational conditions such as start up, change over, run un-favourable load condition. For each loading condition, and
down, hydrate formation, water hammer, and slugs. for each component or cross section to be considered, the most
102 When it is essential for the safety that the function of a un-favourable combination, position and direction of forces,
component is maintained for a specific period of time in the which may act simultaneously shall be used in the analysis.
event of fire, the qualifying properties shall be verified.
F 300 Design pressure and temperature
301 The lowest and highest design temperature at the corre-
F. Equipment Design sponding maximum design pressure shall be specified with ad-
equate margins to cover uncertainties in the prediction. Both
F 100 General internal and external conditions shall be considered.
101 Equipment or components which are to be lifted for in-

DET NORSKE VERITAS

 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.2 – Page 17

SECTION 2
MATERIALS AND CORROSION PROTECTION

A. General Guidance note:

For bolted joints to be part of equipment designed for sulphide
A 100 Objective stress cracking service, lower tensile properties than for 8,8 class
may be necessary in order to comply with ANSI/NACE
101 This section provides requirements for materials and MR0175.
corrosion protection applicable to offshore loading buoys.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

C 500 Sealing materials and polymers

B. Principles 501 The materials to be used shall be suitable for the intend-
ed service and are to be capable of sustaining the specified op-
B 100 General erating pressure and temperature of the particular unit or fluid.
101 Selection of materials shall be based on type and level of
stresses, temperatures, corrosive and erosive conditions, con-
sequences and possibilities of failure associated with installa-
tion, operation and maintenance. D. Material Certificates
102 The materials selected shall be suitable for the purpose D 100 General
and have adequate properties of strength and ductility. Materi-
als incorporated in any portion of a system or structure which 101 All materials for structural application and pressure con-
are critical to the integrity and safety shall have good weldabil- taining components shall be furnished with documentation
ity properties for manufacture and installation, if welding shall stating process of manufacture and heat treatment (metallic
be performed. Materials shall be corrosion resistant or protect- materials) together with results of relevant properties obtained
ed against corrosion where this is deemed necessary. through appropriate tests carried out in accordance with recog-
nised standards.
103 Non-combustible materials shall be used. Where any re-
quired property does not permit the use of such material, alter- Guidance note:
native materials may be used subject to agreement between The following mechanical properties shall normally be tested
contracting parties. and recorded on a material certificate:
- ultimate tensile strength and yield strength
104 For selection of acceptable materials suitable for H2S - elongation and reduction of area
contaminated products (sour service), see ANSI/NACE - Charpy V-notch impact toughness
MR0175. - hardness, where applicable e.g. for sour service
- through thickness properties, where applicable.
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C. Specific Requirements
D 200 Type of document
C 100 Structural materials 201 Material certificate types shall be as given in Table D1.
101 Material specifications shall be established for all struc-
tural materials. Such materials shall be suitable for their in- Table D1 Material certification
tended purpose and have adequate properties in all relevant Certification process ISO 10474
design conditions. Material selection shall be undertaken in ac- (EN 10204)
cordance with the principles given in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.4 Test report 2.2
102 Structural materials shall comply with the requirements Confirmation by the manufacturer that the supplied
products fulfil the purchase specification, and test
given in DNV-OS-B101. data from regular production, not necessarily from
products supplied
C 200 Corrosion protection of structures
Work certificate 3.1.B
201 Corrosion protection of the buoy structure shall comply Test results of all specified tests from samples taken
with DNV-OS-C201 sec.10. from the products supplied. Inspection and tests wit-
nessed and signed by QA department
C 300 Materials for pressure vessels, piping and equip- Test certificate 3.1.C
ment As work certificate, inspection and tests witnessed
and signed by an independent third party body
301 Materials for equipment and piping shall be in accord-
ance with the requirements given by the referred recognised 202 Test certificate shall be required for:
codes.
— rolled, forged or cast elements of steel and aluminium for
C 400 Bolts and nuts structural application
401 Bolts and nuts considered as essential for structural and — plates for boilers and steam heated equipment
operational safety shall conform to a recognised standard, e.g. — plates for pressure vessels with thickness t > 38 mm
ISO 898. — cast iron and cast steel for use at temperature T > 400°C or
pD > 2000 where p = pressure in bar, D = diameter in mm.
402 For general service, the specified tensile properties are
not to exceed ISO 898 property Class 10.9 when the installa- 203 Works certificate shall be required for:
tion is in atmospheric environment. For equipment submerged
in seawater, the tensile properties are not to exceed property — materials for pressure containing and load carrying com-
class 8.8 or equivalent. ponents which are not included in 202.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 18 – Ch.2 Sec.2

204 Test report are acceptable for other equipment. 102 Dissimilar metallic materials in contact shall be avoided
or adequately protected against galvanic corrosion.
103 External steel surfaces exposed to the marine atmos-
phere and splash zone shall be protected by coating. Special
E. Corrosion Protection of Systems and metallic materials may be used.
Equipment 104 Steel components submerged in seawater shall be exter-
E 100 General nally protected by cathodic protection or a combination of ca-
thodic protection and coating.
101 Equipment and piping shall be corrosion resistant or
protected against corrosion where considered necessary for 105 Internal corrosion control shall be used if the commodity
safety or operational reasons. contains water or has a relative humidity of more than 50 %
and if the partial pressure of corrosive gases is above the fol-
Guidance note: lowing limits:
Unprotected carbon steel and stainless steel materials shall not be
used for seawater service except for high molybdenum stainless — oxygen: 100 Pa
steel or equivalent. — hydrogen sulphide: 10 kPa
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— carbon dioxide: 20 kPa
Increased corrosivity due to combination of gases shall be con-
Corrosion allowance of low alloy carbon steel shall be depend- sidered.
ent on corrosivity of commodity, lifetime of equipment and
corrosion control method used. 106 Inhibitors shall be selected when relevant to suit the ac-
tual internal environment.
Guidance note:
Corrosion allowance in Table E1 is given as guidance. 107 Corrosion monitoring shall be used where considered
necessary.
Table E1 Corrosion allowance "c" for steel materials
Service 1) 2) c (mm)
Saturated steam 0.8
Steam coils 2
Feedwater and blowdown pipes (for boilers) 1.5
Compressed air 1.0
Hydraulic oil 0.3
Lubricating oil 0.3
Fuel oil 1
Refrigerants 0.3
Fresh water 0.8
Hydrocarbon service 2
Mud or cement 3
1) An additional allowance for external corrosion shall be
considered according to the figures given in the Table, de-
pending on the external medium
2) Where efficient protective methods against corrosion are
used, the corrosion allowance may be reduced up to 50 %

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.3 – Page 19

SECTION 3
STRUCTURAL STRENGTH

A. General C 200 Functional loads

201 Functional loads are defined in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.3 D.
A 100 Application
202 Functional loads on decks should normally not be less
101 Special aspects for structural design of offshore loading than the values given in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.3 Table D1.
buoys are given in this section.
102 General requirements and guidance for structural design C 300 Environmental loads
by use of working stress method are given in DNV-OS-C201. 301 Environmental loads are defined in DNV-OS-C201
103 Offshore loading buoys may also be designed according Sec.3
to the LRFD (load and resistance factor design) method. Gen- 302 Variation in hydrostatic pressure and buoyancy on mem-
eral requirements and guidance for structural design by use of bers caused by changes in the water level due to waves and
LRFD method are given in DNV-OS-C101. tides shall be regarded as environmental loads.
303 Unless otherwise documented the local sea pressure act-
ing on the main (weather) deck, sides and bottom shall be taken
B. Materials and Structural Categorisation as:
Main deck:
B 100 Materials
101 General principles and requirements for materials are 0.25
⎛ d ⎞
given in DNV-OS-B101. Selection of steel grades are given in p di = 10⎜1 − i ⎟ (1 + 0.05 L ) (kN / m )
2

DNV-C201 Sec.4. ⎝ D⎠
102 Concrete constituents and reinforcements shall comply
with DNV-OS-C502. Sides (from main deck to still-water level):
B 200 Structural categorisation p si = p di + 10γ (D − z b ) (kN / m )
2

201 The following elements are normally categorised as spe-

cial structural elements: Bottom and sides (below still-water level):
— intersection which incorporates novel construction
— complex padeyes
pbsi = 10γ (D − z b ) (kN / m ) 2

— external brackets. portion of bulkheads, flats and frames

which are designed to receive concentrated loads at major di = vertical distance in m from the waterline to the main
intersections deck.
— highly stressed elements of anchor line attachments. L = characteristic maximum horizontal length in m at the
still-water draft level.
202 The following elements are normally categorised as pri- D = vertical distance in m from the moulded baseline to the
mary structural elements: main deck, or may alternatively bereplaced by the larg-
est relative distance from the moulded baseline to the
— external hull not classified as special wave crest if this is proved smaller.
— turntable construction γ = reduction factor due to motion of wave particle (0.9 un-
— bearing support structure less otherwise documented).
— riser support structure zb = vertical distance in m from the baseline to the load
— yoke construction point.
— hawser connections
— padeyes and lifting brackets not classified as special 304 The local environmental pressure due to waves shall not
— main support structure for helideck, lifeboat platforms and be taken less than 10 kN/m2.
other important equipment.
C 400 Accidental loads
203 The following elements are normally categorised as sec- 401 Accidental loads are defined in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.3 G.
ondary structural elements:
402 Any one compartment adjacent to sea shall be assumed
— bulkheads, stiffeners, flats or decks not categorized as spe- flooded.
cial or primary
— plating of stiffeners of helideck, lifeboat platforms, fend-
ers not taking part in global strength, walkways, etc.
D. Loading Conditions
D 100 General
C. Design Loads 101 Relevant loading conditions by use of the working stress
method are given in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.3 B.
C 100 General
101 Applicable load categories and load categories and load D 200 Load cases
combinations relevant for offshore loading buoys are given in 201 Operational limitations characterised by the environ-
this sub-section. mental conditions under which the moored ship or unit will re-
102 General definition and specification of load categories is main attached to the buoy shall be established.
given in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.3. 202 The maximum environmental forces acting on the buoy

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 20 – Ch.2 Sec.3

shall be determined based on likely directions for wind, current 202 Requirements for materials and fabrication of slewing
and waves. bearings are given in DNV Rules for Certification of Lifting
203 Relevant design conditions are given in Table D1 and Appliances.
D2. 203 For slewing bearings of ball and roller type, the follow-
The loading conditions are defined as follows: ing aspects shall be considered:

a) functional loads — plastic deformation of rolling elements and raceways

(raceway capacities).
b) maximum environmental loads and associated functional — fatigue of critical local sections of outer and inner rings.
loads — fatigue of bolts.
c) accidental loads and associated functional loads — yield limit load (capacity) of the slewing bearing as a
whole, based on the capacities of bolts and ring cross sec-
d) annual most probable value of environmental loads and as- tions with due regard to the rigidity of the structures sup-
sociated functional loads after credible failures, or after porting the (fixed and the revolving) rings.
accidental events
204 Yield limit load (capacity) of the slewing bearing shall
Table D1 Relevant design conditions be evaluated considering equilibrium between the rolling ele-
Loading condition ment forces and the following reactions acting on an element
Design condition of the ring:
a) b) 1,2) c) 3) d) 3)
Normal operation X X X X — bolt forces acting on the considered element, possible
shear included
Construction X — possible interface pressure between the considered ele-
Temporary ment and the structure supporting the ring
— forces acting in the cross section of the ring (i.e. on the end
Transportation X X surfaces of the considered element).
Installation X X
Retrieval X 205 The safety factors for slewing rings shall not be less
Modification X X than:
1) Design in loading condition b) of the buoy includes the moored — 1.7 (i.e. ratio between ultimate carrying capacity (ring
ship/unit connected and disconnected depending on the service and bolts) and calculated load on the slewing ring).
limitations, see Table D2.
— 1.5 against fatigue referred to stresses (90% probability)
2) The structure shall be able to resist expected fatigue loads applying a load spectrum factor of 0.7.
which may occur during operating design conditions.
3) Design against design conditions c) and d) and fatigue may nor- 206 Bolt material having yield strength exceeding 900 N/
mally be omitted for design condition, construction, transporta- mm2 (10.9 ISO strength class) shall only be used after special
tion, installation and modification, provided adequate measures consideration and agreement between contracting parties.
are taken to prevent, avoid or control such situations.
207 Slewing ring fasteners shall be pre-stressed according to
Table D2 Environmental loading a written procedure. The degree of permanent pre-stressing
shall be as high as possible without producing yield in bolt ma-
Loading Detached Attached terial during pre-stressing. The degree of permanent pre-stress-
condition
ing shall at least be 65%, but normally not more than 80% of
DNV-OS-C201 Sec.3 E Limiting environmental con- bolt material yield strength.
b) “Environmental Loads” ditions under which the ship/
unit will remain attached 208 The holding down bolts shall, as far as practical, be
equally spaced over the 360° circumference.
E 300 Universal joints
E. Local Strength 301 Universal joints used for connection to the ship or off-
shore unit shall be checked against the maximum load ampli-
E 100 General tudes as given in D.
101 Scantlings shall be checked against the maximum local 302 Fatigue strength shall normally be checked against esti-
forces superimposed on the overall forces. mated stress history or acceptable simplified methods. Bearing
102 Scantlings of plates, stiffeners and girders shall comply bolts shall be pre-tensioned to reduce altering loads.
with the requirements given in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.6. Require- 303 Materials shall be in accordance with Sec.2.
ments to weld connections are given in DNV-OS-C201 Sec.9.
304 Bearing surfaces shall be of non corrosive material.
E 200 Slewing bearings 305 For sealed bearings, lubricating and seals shall be ar-
201 The slewing bearing shall be of sufficient stiffness to ranged so that penetration of seawater and impurities is pre-
prevent harmful deflections. vented.

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.4 – Page 21

SECTION 4
ANCHORING AND MOORING

A. Anchoring B. Mooring
A 100 General B 100 Mooring hawsers
101 Requirements for anchoring systems are given in DNV- 101 Mooring hawsers shall be of a material suitable for off-
shore use. Behaviour in wet condition and under cyclic load
OS-E301. shall be documented. Attention is to be paid to possible wear
of hawsers at critical points.
A 200 Special provision for loading buoys
102 The mooring hawser(s) and equipment shall not cause
201 For installations equipped with hawser load monitoring incompatibility between the buoy and the moored ship/unit.
and hose and hawser Quick Disconnect systems the Safety 103 For single mooring hawser systems, the hawser shall be
Factors given in DNV-OS-E301 for intact condition may be re- designed with a safety factor of 3.0 on the rated static breaking
duced by 10%. strength.
202 Damage to the under buoy hoses may be accepted in sur- 104 For double separated mooring hawser systems, each in-
vival condition provided the damage is limited to the hoses dividual hawser shall be designed for the total maximum
mooring load with a safety factor of 1.5 of the rated static
only and the damage of the hoses will not result in pollution. breaking strength.
The owner/operator of the installation shall agree to such a de-
sign. 105 Mooring hawsers and associated equipment shall be de-
signed, fabricated, tested and installed in accordance with the
203 Design based on "Intact condition" only may be accept- requirements of a recognised standard, e.g.:
able provided the Factors given in DNV-OS-E301 for intact
— OCIMF Guidelines for the Purchasing and Testing of SPM
condition is increased by a factor of 1.2 and a anchor line fail- Hawsers
ure will not result in a major pollution or major damage to the — OCIMF Recommendations for Equipment Employed in
buoy the Mooring of Ships at Single Point Moorings

A 300 Anchors B 200 Compensators

301 The conditions of the seabed, based on site investiga- 201 Compensators based on steel springs, hydraulic/ pneu-
matic spring systems, etc. may be used provided they are safely
tions, shall be taken into account in the selection of anchor designed.
type, see DNV-OS-E301.
A 400 Anchor lines Guidance note:
Normally the chafe chain is to be the weak link.
401 Anchor lines may consist of chain cable, steel wire, fibre
ropes or combination of these. ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 22 – Ch.2 Sec.5

SECTION 5
STABILITY AND WATERTIGHT INTEGRITY

A. General for deep-draught units.

A 100 Application 202 The stability shall be calculated in a disconnected mode

corresponding to environmental condition with return a period
101 The requirements in this Section apply to buoys intend- of 100 years.
ed for loading/ unloading of fluid cargoes.
203 It is to be verified that loss of single anchor line provides
A 200 Draft marks sufficient stability.
201 Anchored offshore buoys shall have draft marks applied
visibly on the outside of the hull indicating maximum permis-
sible draft.
C. Damage Stability
C 100 General
B. Intact Stability 101 Provisions shall be made to avoid progressive flooding
after flooding of at least one compartment. The buoy shall re-
B 100 General main afloat without causing damage to the fluid and utility sys-
101 The intact stability criteria to be taken into account shall tems. Evacuation of personnel shall be possible in this
be as follows: condition.
— the met centric height shall be positive C 200 Exposed collision zones
— the area under the righting moment curve to the second in-
tercept, or a lesser angle, shall not be taken less than 40% 201 Exposed collision zones are those portions of the struc-
in excess of the area under the heeling moment. ture subjected to accidental flooding due to collision with the
ship/unit that is normally moored to the buoy. The collision ex-
B 200 Stability calculations posed zones shall normally be taken according to DNV-OS-
C301 Ch.1 Sec.1 D.
201 Intact stability calculations shall be carried out in ac-
cordance with principles given in DNV-OS-C301 as applied

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.6 – Page 23

SECTION 6
PIPING, EQUIPMENT AND HOSES

A. Piping and mechanical damage.

105 The ship/unit end of the hose shall be provided with suit-
A 100 General able means for closure.
101 The fluid transfer piping system shall be in accordance 106 The floating hose shall be provided with a weak link.
with DNV-OS-E201.
107 For floating hoses, depending on buoyancy elements,
the floatation media, added as either individual floats or inte-
gral floatation, shall be considered with regard to toughness,
B. Mechanical Equipment flexibility and low water absorption.
The attachment points for individual floats shall be designed
B 100 Bilge and sounding systems for suitable transition of point loads.
101 Buoys shall be provided with means for pumping from Guidance note:
and draining any watertight compartment. Pumping by means Normally hoses complying with "Guide to Purchasing, Manufac-
of a portable pump may be accepted. turing & Testing of Loading & Discharge Hoses for Offshore
Moorings" issued by Oil Companies International Marine Forum
102 Watertight compartments shall have provisions for (OCIMF). will be acceptable.
sounding.
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B 200 Pipe swivel
201 The pipe swivel shall normally satisfy all the require-
ments applicable for the comprising piping systems.
D. Underbuoy Hoses and Pipes
202 Where applicable, the pipe swivel shall be designed for
external forces, e.g. forces on combined pipe swivel and rota- D 100 General
tion bearing of buoy, mooring forces etc.
101 Underbuoy hoses and associated components shall be
203 For pressure and leak proof testing of the pipe swivel, designed, fabricated, tested and installed in accordance with
see Sec.11. the requirements of a recognised standard, e.g.:
For rigid underbuoy pipe systems:
B 300 Lifting equipment
301 Structural and mechanical components for lifting equip- — DNV-OS-F101
ment shall comply with recognised standards, e.g. DNV Rules — DNV-OS-F201
for Certification of Lifting Appliances. — API RP 2RD
— API RP 1111
302 Individual components such as sheaves, hooks, shack-
les, wire slings, permanent attachments, etc. shall be marked For non-bonded flexible underbuoy pipe systems:
with the maximum permissible working load (SWL).
— DNV Rules for Flexible Risers and Pipes
— API Spec 17J
— API RP 17B
C. Floating Hoses
For bonded flexible underbuoy pipe systems:
C 100 General
101 The dimensions and the type of reinforcement for float- — OCIMF "Guide to Purchasing, Manufacturing and Testing
ing hoses shall be determined from strength analysis of the of Loading and Discharge Hoses for Offshore Moorings"
hose system taking into account design pressure differential, within 100 m water depth
fluid flow, weight of hose with contents, buoyancy forces, — API Spec 17K
wave forces, accelerations and relative motions.
102 Dynamic analyses shall be performed (fully or partially
102 The longitudinal strength requirements shall normally coupled) with sensitivity to water depth, fluid densities and
be based on the assumption that the hose acts as a cable, disre- combinations of environmental conditions (directions). The
garding possible effect of bending moments on the equilibrium extreme tension, shear force, curvature along the hose strings
configuration. In areas of maximum curvature, special rein- is to be assessed in operating and survival conditions, with
forcement or support arrangements may be required to restrict tanker connected and not connected.
the curvature. The fatigue life of the underbuoy hoses shall be assessed.
103 The length of the loading hose shall be determined in ac- Interference with seabed or anchor lines that may damage the
cordance with response analysis in order to prevent overstress- hoses is not permitted.
ing or extension beyond its presumed operational
configuration. Guidance note:
Floating and underbuoy hoses may be considered as consumable
104 The hose shall be properly arranged with respect to sup- items with expected service life shorter than the design life of the
port and configuration during loading as well as when the ter- installation. See also OCIMF "Guidelines for the Handling, Stor-
minal is unoccupied in order to restrict the curvature and to age, Inspection and Testing of Hoses in the Field".
reduce change of curvature and thereby fatigue effects. The
loading hose shall also be properly protected against fouling ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 24 – Ch.2 Sec.7

SECTION 7
HAZARDOUS AREA AND VENTILATION

A. General B. Specific Requirements

A 100 Application B 100 General
101 The provisions of this section are intended to avoid igni- 101 Flanges and fittings in the fluid transfer system shall be
tion of potential flammable releases that may occur on the regarded as secondary grade source of release.
buoy during normal operation. Release as a result of accidental 102 Swivel, loading hose connectors and ventilation outlets
events is not addressed by area classification, but shall be cov- may be regarded as either primary or secondary source of re-
ered by emergency measures. lease depending on frequency of operation and operational ex-
102 All offshore loading buoys shall be subjected to hazard- perience.
ous area classification assessment.
B 200 Enclosed areas
103 General requirements for hazardous area classification
are given in DNV-OS-A101. 201 An enclosed area adjacent to hazardous areas containing
no source of release may be classified non-hazardous provided
gastight doors/hatches are installed.
202 Emergency shelter may be accepted without mechanical
ventilation provided adequate louvers or similar arrangements
are installed.

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.8 – Page 25

SECTION 8
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

A. General 102 Other codes and standards such as IEEE, NFPA, IEC,
BS or similar may be applied upon consideration in each case.
A 100 Application
101 Electrical installations shall comply with DNV-OS-
D201, as applicable.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 26 – Ch.2 Sec.9

SECTION 9
FIRE SAFETY

A. General Guidance note:

Examples are simple buoys without helicopter deck, boat-land-
A 100 Application ing or working platforms.
101 Fire protection, detection and extinction shall be accord- ---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
ing to DNV-OS-D301, as applicable.
102 Attention is to be given to any statutory requirements of B 300 Not permanently manned buoys
the National Authority having jurisdiction in the waters where
the buoy is located. 301 A buoy that may be manned for maintenance or testing
purposes shall be equipped with fire control and fire extinction
systems, including:

B. Specific Requirements for Offshore Loading — approved portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in
Buoys service and working spaces
— emergency shelter and other enclosed areas, e.g. for ma-
B 100 General chinery
101 The arrangement of fire control and extinguishing shall — electrical power generation and distribution shall be ar-
be adequate for the buoy during its intended operation. Com- ranged with a fixed fire extinguishing system as outlined
pensating procedures and measures, e.g. standby vessel with in DNV-OS-D301
fire fighting equipment during manned periods shall be credit- — provision for helicopter facilities.
ed.
102 All fire-extinguishing appliances shall be kept in good 302 Helicopter facilities shall in principle comply with the
order and shall be available for immediate use. requirements in DNV-OS-D301 Sec.5. For installations where
adequate arrangement of fire control and fire extinction for the
B 200 Unmanned buoys buoy is achieved without the provision of a fire pump, fixed
dry powder system of capacity 250 kg is at least to be installed.
201 An unmanned buoy does not require permanent arrange-
ment for fire control and extinction.

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.2 Sec.10 – Page 27

SECTION 10
CONTROL SYSTEMS

A. General B 200 Communication

201 A two way communication system on the buoy and a
A 100 Application continuously manned control station on a neighbouring instal-
101 The requirements in this section covers the following as- lation or a stand by vessel shall be provided whenever the buoy
pects: is manned.
— control of fluid transfer 202 In order to ensure reliable communication, equipment
— communication duplication is required.
— gas detection system, where applicable 203 The communication may be arranged by portable or per-
— alarm, where applicable. manent equipment on the buoy or combination thereof.
102 Control, monitoring and shutdown functions shall to be 204 A two way communication between the control station
according to DNV-OS-E201, as applicable. in command of loading operation and the ship/unit shall be es-
tablished before connecting to the buoy. The communication
shall be maintained during loading.
B. Basic Requirements
B 100 Control of fluid transfer C. Gas Detection System
101 The loading system shall be provided with fluid transfer
monitoring display either at a local or central control station. C 100 General
102 The control system shall be designed so that pumps can 101 Buoys that may be manned for maintenance/testing pur-
not be operated until specific valves are opened and the con- poses shall be monitored for flammable gas. Monitoring may
nection to the loading ship/unit has been successfully complet- be performed by a permanently installed system or portable
ed. The pumps shall stop immediately upon commencement of equipment. Upon entering the buoy, all areas shall be checked
an emergency disconnection procedure. for flammable gas.
103 Pressure sensors shall be located at suitable positions to 102 The gas detection system shall give audible alarm when
secure loading pump shut down if the line pressure exceeds the a concentration of 25% of lower explosion limit (LEL) for hy-
maximum allowable pressure by a preset amount or drops be- drocarbon gas is reached.
low a preset minimum value. 103 Where a permanently installed system is provided, auto-
Guidance note: matic shutdown of the installation shall take place when 60%
Pressure sensors that are installed on board the ship/unit's loading LEL is reached, or gas is detected in or at an non hazardous ar-
pumps may be accepted. ea.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

104 Interlocks shall be provided to ensure that:

D. Alarm System
— main control valves can not be opened unless the coupling
is connected to the mating flange D 100 General
— outboard and inboard valves adjacent to the coupling are
closed before the coupling can be released. 101 Buoys with enclosed areas or otherwise arranged such
that personnel onboard cannot be readily aware of a dangerous
Guidance note: situation shall be equipped with a suitable alarm system.
Operational procedures may replace physical interlocks. 102 The alarm system shall be connected to an emergency
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- source of power.
103 Areas protected by gas extinguishing systems, shall be
105 Accumulators shall be provided for hydraulic operated provided with alarm inside the area before discharge.
valves. The accumulators shall be of sufficient capacity to
close the valves and release the coupling. 104 Emergency shelter areas shall be equipped with smoke
106 Pressure relief, depressurising and disposal systems arc detectors releasing audible alarm in case of fire.
to be according to DNV-OS-E201, as relevant.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 28 – Ch.2 Sec.11

SECTION 11
MANUFACTURE, SEA TRANSPORT AND COMMISSIONING

A. General — two complete revolutions in each direction at a rate of ap-

proximately ten minutes per revolution.
A 100 Application — four complete revolutions: The first revolution is to be
101 This section provides requirements for: clockwise and the final anti-clockwise. Each rotation is to
be in stages of 30 degrees at a rate of' approximately one
— fabrication of buoy structure degree per second with a 30 second degrees rotation. The
— manufacture of equipment breakaway torque and the rotating torque shall be record-
— sea transport ed. Where the fluid assembly swivel rotates in unison with
— installation and commissioning. the mooring swivel, concentricity of the fluid and mooring
102 The fabrication and testing of structures shall comply swivel shall be demonstrated.
with DNV-OS-C401.
B 200 Torsional seals
103 The manufacture, installation and testing of components
and equipment systems, e.g. pressure vessels, piping, machin- 201 Hydrostatic shop pressure testing shall be conducted to
ery on skids, shall comply with DNV-OS-E201. 1.5 times the design pressure.

B. Manufacture of Equipment and Piping C. Installation and Commissioning

B 100 Pipe swivel C 100 Installations
101 The pipe swivel assembly shall be hydrostatically shop 101 Testing procedure for anchors shall be according to
tested as follows:
DNV-OS-E301.
a) 1.5 times design pressure for at least 2 hours with no leak-
age and without considerable pressure drop. C 200 Pre-commissioning
b) At design pressure with no leakage and with rotations as 201 Prior to commissioning, all systems shall be tested ac-
below: cording to written procedures.

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 OFFSHORE STANDARD
DNV-OS-E403

OFFSHORE LOADING BUOYS

CHAPTER 3

CERTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION

CONTENTS PAGE
Sec. 1 Certification and Classification ............................................................................................... 31
Sec. 2 Design Approval ...................................................................................................................... 32
Sec. 3 Certification of Materials and Equipment................................................................................ 33
Sec. 4 Survey during Construction ..................................................................................................... 35
Sec. 5 Surveys at Testing and Installation .......................................................................................... 36
Sec. 6 Classification in Operation....................................................................................................... 37

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.3 Sec.1 – Page 31

SECTION 1
CERTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION

A. General 104 The extent of classification is identified in the Appendix

to Class Certificate.
A 100 Introduction The following is normally included:
101 As well as representing DNV's recommendations of
good engineering practice for general use by the offshore in- — arrangements
dustry, the offshore standards also provide the technical basis — structural strength
for DNV classification, certification and verification services. — anchoring and mooring
— stability and watertight integrity
A 200 Definitions — hazardous areas and ventilation
201 Client: The applicant for the certificate who may be ei- — marine machinery and piping
ther the yard, the owner, or with regard to components, the — electrical installation
manufacturer. — fluid transfer system and equipment
— instrumentation and control systems.
105 Loading/unloading systems shall be approved according
B. Certification to the following principles:

B 100 General — design approval

— survey of fabrication
101 Upon request from a Client, a certificate to a buoy may — survey of installation
be issued for a complete installation which has been designed,
built, inspected and tested in compliance with this Offshore — functional test after installation.
Standard and applicable codes, standards and regulations. C 200 Assumptions
102 Applicable codes, standards and regulations as well as 201 It is assumed that all marine operations necessary for
operational limitations and basic assumptions and conditions construction, transportation and installation of buoy are con-
for use will be stated in the Certificate. ducted by competent personnel and that the operating planning
is based on experience and sound engineering practice. It is
also assumed that the conditions during the actual marine op-
erations do not depart from those assumed.
C. Classification
202 Limitations for operation, systems and equipment will
C 100 General be included in the Appendix to Classification Certificate.
101 Buoys designed, built, installed, tested and intended to C 300 National regulations
be followed up in-service under supervision of the Society in
compliance with the requirements of this standard will be enti- 301 Some items because of their specific nature are assumed
tled to the Class Notation: Offshore Loading Buoy. to be controlled by National Authorities and hence are not con-
sidered to be within the scope of Classification. These items in-
102 A complete description of principles, procedures, appli- clude:
cable class notations and technical basis for offshore classifi-
cation is given by DNV-OSS-102 "Rules for Classification of — arrangement for personnel safety on board, i.e. stairs, lad-
Floating Production and Storage Units". ders, access ways etc.
103 Due to the particular nature of offshore loading buoys' — evacuation and lifesaving appliances
operations and ownership, the precise scope of classification — navigation/obstruction aids
shall be decided on a case-by case basis after agreement with — temporary equipment/installation, e.g. for storage, opera-
the client. tion, maintenance etc.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 32 – Ch.3 Sec.2

SECTION 2
DESIGN APPROVAL

A. General — mooring analysis

— main particulars for fluid transfer system such as:
A 100 General — applicable codes and standards
101 This section gives requirements for certification and — design temperature (min. and max.)
classification related to design. — design pressure rating
102 When deemed necessary, the Society may require that — fabrication specifications including pipe bending, weld-
special studies or calculations are performed in order to define ing, heat treatment, type and extent of NDE, testing etc.
particular operational limitations. — flow sheets of piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID)
with reference to appropriate designation
— strength calculations.

B. Documentation
B 100 Design documentation C. Stability and Watertight Integrity
101 The following plans and particulars shall be submitted
for approval, as applicable: C 100 General
101 For simple unmanned buoys, other stability require-
— buoy structure including fairleads/anchor line stoppers ments may be considered by the Society.
— turntable and bearings
— universal joints
— loading boom/yoke
— helideck D. Piping, Equipment and Loading Hoses
— superstructure
— anchoring arrangement D 100 Torsional seals
— mooring arrangement
— arrangement of fluid transfer systems with following in- 101 If torsional seals are used, a prototype test may be re-
formation to be included: quired by the Society.

— materials to be applied for pipes, hoses, fittings,

branches, unions, plugs, flanges, bolts, nuts, gaskets,
etc. E. Survey Arrangement
— materials to be applied for valve bodies, bonnets,
stems, seat seals, springs, actuators, etc. E 100 General
— corrosion allowances 101 A "facility plan" for in service inspection shall be sub-
— wall thickness listed for each applicable line size mitted for approval. The plan is to show the types of facilities
— rating and type of flanges, valves, fittings, branches, which are or will be provided to make important structural
unions, and type of gaskets, etc. parts accessible for survey in accordance with the in-service
— drawings or certified proof test reports for non-stand- inspection programme.
ard piping components
— pressure test plan 102 Annual and special surveys may be carried out on loca-
tion based on approved procedures outlined in a maintenance
— complete specification of fire extinguishers system and survey arrangement, without interrupting the func-
— drawings showing details such as the means for access to tion of the installation.
different enclosed areas. The following matters will be taken into consideration for ac-
102 The following plans, descriptions and calculations shall ceptance of surveys to be carried out on location:
be submitted for information, as applicable: — arrangement for underwater inspection of structure and
— general arrangement showing extent of hazardous areas/ openings affecting the floatability of the buoy
main layout drawings — means for blanking off all openings
— structural analysis — accessibility of all spaces for inspection
— stability analysis — corrosion protection of structure
— anchoring analysis — testing facilities for equipment, as applicable.

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.3 Sec.3 – Page 33

SECTION 3
CERTIFICATION OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

A. Certification of Materials — review fabrication record.

A 100 General The extent of required survey by DNV is to be decided on the

basis of manufacturer's QA/QC system, manufacturing survey
101 Certification of materials shall be carried out as de- arrangement (MSA) with DNV and type of fabrication meth-
scribed in Ch.2 Sec.2 D. ods
102 For DNV classification projects the test certificates shall 105 Equipment of category II is normally accepted on the ba-
be DNV material certificates in compliance with the require- sis of a works certificate prepared by the manufacturer. The
ments given in DNV-OS-B101. certificate shall contain the following data as a minimum:
— equipment specification or data sheet.
— limitations with respect to operation of equipment.
B. Certification of Components and Equipment — statement (affidavit) from the manufacturer to confirm
that the equipment has been constructed, manufactured
B 100 General and tested according to the recognised methods, codes and
101 Components and equipment shall be certified consistent standards.
with its functions and importance for safety.
Guidance note:
102 Equipment referred to in this standard will be catego- Independent test certificate or report for the equipment or ap-
rised as follows: proval certificate for manufacturing system may also be accept-
Category I: ed.
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
— equipment related to safety for which a DNV certificate is
required.
— category I equipment is subdivided into IA and IB catego-
risation.
C. Equipment Categorisation
Category II:
C 100 General
— equipment related to safety for which a works certificate 101 Categorisation of equipment normally installed is given
prepared by the manufacturer is accepted. in Table Cl. Equipment considered to be important for safety,
which is not listed, shall be categorised after special consider-
103 For equipment category I, the following approval proce- ation.
dure shall be followed:
Table C1 Category for pressure containing equipment
— design approval, followed by a design verification report
(DVR) or type approval certificate.
— fabrication survey followed by issuance of a product cer- Component Conditions Category
tificate. IB 1) II
Wall thickness > 25,4 mm (1 X
104 Depending on the required extent of survey, category I Piping spools inch)
equipment is subdivided into IA and IB with the specified re- Design temperature > 400°C X
quirements as given below.
Longitudinally welded pipes for X
Guidance note: flammable/toxic fluids
It should be noted that the scopes defined for category IA and IB Longitudinally welded pipes for X
are typical and adjustments may be required based on considera- non-flammable/non-toxic fluids
tions such as:
Flanges and Standard type X
- complexity and size of a delivery couplings 1)
- previous experience with equipment type Non-standard type flanges and X
- maturity and effectiveness of manufacturer's quality assur- couplings for flammable/toxic
ance system fluids
- degree of subcontracting.
Valve body of welded construc- X
---e-n-d---of---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e--- Valves 2) tion with ANSI rating
> 600 lbs
Category IA: Valves designed and manufac- X
tured in accordance with recog-
— pre-production meeting, as applicable, prior to the start of nised standards
fabrication.
Safety valves All X
— class survey during fabrication. and rupture
— witness final functional, pressure and load tests, as appli- discs
cable. Expansion For flammable or toxic fluids X
— review fabrication record. joints
Category IB:
— pre-production meeting (optional).
— witness final functional, pressure and load tests, as appli-
cable.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 34 – Ch.3 Sec.3

Table C1 Category for pressure containing equipment 102 Mooring equipment such as mooring hawsers, yokes
(Continued) and connecting links is subject to certification. The certifica-
tion may be based on internationally recognised codes and
Component Conditions Category
standards as referred to.
IB 1) II
Flexible hoses For flammable or toxic fluids X
Swivels and All X
torsional seals
Components Specified yield strength > 345 X
above when MPa (50000 psi) or tensile
made of high strength > 515 MPa (75000 psi)
strength mate-
rial
1) The extent for witnessing tests may be agreed upon with the So-
ciety based on manufacturer's QA/QC system.
2) Applicable only for piping components in systems with those
media referred to in Table C1.

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.3 Sec.4 – Page 35

SECTION 4
SURVEY DURING CONSTRUCTION

A. General DNV Offshore Standards (as applicable):

A 100 General — DNV-OS-C401 for structural fabrication

— DNV-OS-D101 for mechanical systems
101 General description of activities related to survey dur- — DNV-OS-D201 for electrical installations
ing construction is given in DNV-OSS-Ch.1 Sec.4 Classifica- — DNV-OS-D202 for instrumentation
tion Procedure. — DNV-OS-E201 for hydrocarbon related systems.
102 Detail scope of survey is given in Ch.3 of the relevant

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 36 – Ch.3 Sec.5

SECTION 5
SURVEYS AT TESTING AND INSTALLATION

A. Pre-commissioning 105 A record of pressure valve setting shall be made availa-

ble to the Society's surveyor on request.
A 100 General 106 Function, performance testing of the following systems
101 Prior to commissioning, all systems shall be tested ac- and equipment shall be in accordance with a written test pro-
cording to approved procedures. grams accepted by the Society's surveyor:
102 Procedures for hook-up at site, if applicable, and pre-
commissioning tests shall be agreed with the Society in each — fluid transfer system
case. — riser connections
— mooring hawser tensioning system
103 The Society's Surveyor is to be requested to inspect the — ventilating systems for hazardous area, where applicable
buoy and attend the final tests, as necessary. — fire extinction and deluge systems. where applicable
104 Equipment with "category I" for which the functional — alarm and intercommunication systems.
and or performance tests are not witnessed at manufacturer's
place, shall be tested after installation and witnessed by the So- 107 Any modifications after testing shall be in agreement
ciety's surveyor. with the Society.

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 Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Ch.3 Sec.6 – Page 37

SECTION 6
CLASSIFICATION IN OPERATION

A. General dition of the structure, systems and equipment covered by class

meet, and will continue to meet, the applicable class require-
A 100 General ments.
101 In order to maintain class in the operational phase, 102 Periodical survey principles and requirements for reten-
classed loading buoys are required to undergo periodical sur- tion of class in the operational phase is given in DNV-OSS-
veys. The objective of the surveys is to ascertain that the con- 102.

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Offshore Standard DNV-OS-E403, April 2005
Page 38 – Ch.3 Sec.6

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