• Whether loading equipment, lifesaving equipment, navigation equipment, and
will continue to be surveyed and kept in usable condition
radio installations are sufficient for the number of crew and region of operation following conversion.
According to Mr Ogahara, the question of
what will be done with the vessel’s propulsion equipment is one of the most important questions that owners will need to examine before beginning the conversion process. He says: “Ultimately the answer to this question depends on the conditions of the mooring location, the type of mooring system that will be used, and applicable local regulations, if any. If the propulsion system will be used to support the mooring system, then it will need to undergo regular surveys, but we will provide a descriptive note in the vessel’s registration acknowledging that the system will be used for mooring support only.” ClassNK’s guidelines make clear that if the
propulsion system will not be used, that it does not have to be maintained under class rules, but owners will need to make minor modifications and submit a simple Declaration to the Society. ClassNK is also specific on the survey
regime that a successful conversion must address. “FSOs must undergo a Special Survey, a Docking Survey, a Propeller Shaſt Survey, Boiler Survey and Condition Monitoring Survey,” the Class body’s Guidelines say. “Additionally, all convention surveys must be updated on anniversary dates. If any damaged or suspicious areas are found, those areas are to be repaired permanently. If reinforcement
ClassNK has developed guidelines to help promote successful FSO conversions.
is deemed necessary, reinforcement should be carried out at this time.” The surveys carried out at this stage
can be crucial to both the viability of the conversion project, and to the future viability of the FSO’s operation. Some survey items related to the conversion can be exempted during conversion. However, this can only be determined aſter examining hull condition and reviewing survey and damage records. Given the limited operational range of FSOs,
requirements for drydocking differ from those of tankers. If the FSO is less than 15 years old, so long as it undergoes in-water surveys to the satisfaction of the Society, bottom surveys in drydock are not required. However, FSOs between 15 and 25 years of age will need to
undergo a bottom survey in drydock at least once every ten years, while FSOs older than this will need to be drydocked for bottom survey every five years. However, this schedule may be adjusted in light of the amount of reinforcement and structural upgrades conducted during the conversion process, as well as the condition of the FSO itself. “Tese guidelines give clear answers to
many of the questions that owners face during the conversion process,” says Mr Ogahara. However the Society is also clear that they have been developed specifically for FSO conversion, and that larger, more extensive conversions such as conversions from tankers to FPSOs require more comprehensive consideration. SCRT
ABS forms greater China division Shiprepair is one sector driving the formation of this new operation.
A
BS, has announced the creation of a fifth operating division that will be responsible for the society’s
activities in The People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan. Te Divisional Headquarters will be located in Shanghai where ABS already maintains a large engineering, survey and administrative office.
Te move is in response not just to ABS’
growing involvement in newbuilding work in China. As ABS chairman and chief executive officer, Robert D. Somerville, observes: “Te growing importance of China, itself as a shipowning centre, as a leader in ship repair as well as a prominent manufacturer of marine machinery and equipment has increased the level of ABS classification, certification,
Shiprepair and Conversion Technology 4th Quarter 2010
engineering and type approval activities in the country to a level which demands a more focused and active management team.” Te newly created Greater China Division
will have more than 500 employees operating from more than 30 offices across the country and in Hong Kong and Taiwan. These numbers expected to steadily increase in line with the expanded activities. SCRT
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