Jackup collaboration to increase reliability

The JIP will provide guidelines on determining relevant wear criteria for self-elevating units.

“Defining maximum limits of wear across all parts of a jacking system is technically complex,” said Michiel van der Geest, product manager offshore classification at DNV GL.

He continued: “It not only involves the interaction of all elements of the system, including the different materials applied, but also relevant operational and maintenance strategy considerations.”

“This new JIP on wear acceptance criteria for jacking systems is the latest offspring from our successful collaborative initiatives to improve jackup operations.”

The wear acceptance criteria for jacking systems JIP is expected to begin in early 2016 with 11 partners already confirmed.

It builds on an earlier recommended practice from DNV GL which was issued last year, the company addressed maintenance and inspection challenges of jackup systems.

Thomas Burley, CEO of David Brown Gears, added: “We have received strong support from our growing customer base in the UAE to participate in the DNV GL JIP on jacking system wear criteria. We believe that the JIP offers the right forum to define best practice for the industry.”

Partners of the JIP include NOV-BLM, its chairman and CEO Philippe Gadreau, said: “There is a clear benefit in participating in this JIP, taking into consideration the need of users, class authorities, and OEM to have a common language when talking about jacking systems.”

He concluded: “The recommended practice which will be issued from this JIP will give the users confidence in long term predictive operation, supported by OEM diagnosis.”

By Alice Mason