IRClass amends rules for the Single Point Mooring Systems

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has published the amended Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Single Point Mooring Systems.

This document was published on 1 June 2023 and will become effective on 1 July 2023. It supersedes the July 2020 edition.

These rules are applicable to unmanned floating Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems of the CALM type, mainly for temporary vessel mooring.

Classification is valid only for a specified operational area mentioned in the certificate.

The rules cover permanent system features verified through review, calculation, survey, and other means.

Other aspects mentioned in the rules serve as guidance for designers, builders, or owners.

They apply to conventional SPM designs that use a hawser from the buoy for temporary offshore mooring and fluid transfer through underbuoy hoses or risers.

The rules assume proper loading and handling, excluding special loading distributions, unless specified in the class notation.

SPMs should not operate in more severe environmental conditions than those approved during design.

No new regulations or amendments should be applied to existing Single Point Moorings without IRS direction.

Likewise, no new rules or amendments apply within 6 months of the issue date or after approval of main structural plans, unless directed otherwise by IRS.

Approval is required to use existing plans for new contracts.

Classification covers various aspects of the SPM, including buoy structure, stability, main bearing or turret, anchoring, auxiliary machinery, fluid transfer systems, instrumentation, fire safety, and the pipeline end manifold.

However, classification does not guarantee overall design or performance, except for aspects specified in the rules and subject to approved operational conditions.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):