PISTA BLOG#22 (Jun 2023):CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT OF MODU: THE IMO IA810E 2009 MODU Code, 2020 Edition

 

THE IMO IA810E 2009 MODU Code, 2020 Edition

It is a well-known fact that the supply is Oil and Gas is finite, yet oil is plentiful and the technology to extract it continues to improve, making it even more economical to produce and use. The same is also largely true for natural gas. As compared to the 1800, our dependence on fossil fuels EVEN AS OF NOW in June 2023, leaves one fact for certain: THE AXLE OF OUR SPINNING GLOBE IS GREASED WITH OIL. 

Each day we consume millions of barrels and petroleum companies are constantly exploring new reserves to satisfy our insatiable demand for oil and gas. As the oceans cover nearly one-third of Earth's surface, a large proportion of these reserves are underwater.

 

It's quite a complex task to reach these deep-sea drilling sites. Many questions need to be answered like

1. How do we transport all this liquid, gas, and solid petroleum back to the surface?
2. What are the special types of equipment needed to carry out such Projects?
3. How to ensure the safety of every personnel involved?

And perhaps the more pressing question:

How to do all this without impacting the environment?

Petroleum companies have invested billions of dollars in developing offshore drilling technologies and building oil platforms to overcome these obstacles. In 1897, there was the first of these platforms built at the end of a harbor in California. In the years that followed, oil prospectors, first on the docks and then on the artificial islands, were pushed out into the ocean. The first mobile oil platform for drilling in wetlands was introduced in 1928 by a Texas oilman.

 

The oil rigs of today are enormous constructions. Some of them resemble floating cities with hundreds of residents and jobs. Even the planet's tallest skyscrapers are dwarfed by these massive production facilities that are perched on underwater structures that extend up to 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) into the abyss. We have constructed some of the biggest floating structures to maintain our reliance on this energy source. Construction of such mega Units is indeed very complex and Safety is the top priority.

 

In this PISTA blog JUNE 2023, we'll look at the rules that govern the construction of MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS: THE IMO IA810E 2009 MODU Code, 2020 Edition 

 Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009

In adopting the 2009 MODU Code, the Assembly recalled in particular that, since the adoption of the 1989 MODU Code, the Organization had adopted a significant number of amendments to many of the regulations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) referenced in the Code. Furthermore, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had adopted amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which impacted the provisions for helicopter facilities as contained in the Code.

The 2009 MODU Code provides an international standard for the new construction of MODUs, which facilitates their international movement and operation and ensures a level of safety for such units and personnel on board, equivalent to that required by the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines-1966, for conventional ships engaged on international voyages.

The 2009 MODU Code supersedes the 1989 MODU Code, adopted by resolution A.649(16), for mobile offshore drilling units, the keels of which were laid or which were at a similar stage of construction on or after 1st January 2012.

Publication code: IMO810E

Publication subtitle: CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF MODU, 2009

Publication edition number or year: 2020

Publisher name: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)

 

IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has issued amendments to the Code for Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code), adopted at the latest MSC meeting that was held last year from the 20th to 29th of April 2022.

 

The amendments, which were approved at MSC 104, relate to the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) and were adopted at MSC 105 in conjunction with the adoption of the related amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention. The amendments enter into force on 01 January 2024.

 

The MODU code includes detailed and strict guidelines regarding every aspect of the CONSTRUCTION of MODU and the setting up of the subsequent Operational Facilities.

 Construction, strength, and materials which speak about the Design loads, Structural analysis

Special considerations for surface units and self-elevating units as well as column-stabilized units, Fatigue analysis, Materials used for the construction, and the Construction Portfolio.

All aspects relating to Welding, Testing, stability and freeboard, Inclining test, righting moment and heeling moment curves, intact stability criteria, Subdivision, and damage stability.

 

The CODE lays down rules about the extent of damage, watertight integrity, and Machinery installations for all types of units. Various types of Machinery are to be installed and hence a section is dedicated in the MODU code for Machinery requirements, Steam boilers and boiler feed systems, Steampipe systems

 

Machinery controls, Air pressure systems, Arrangements for oil fuel, lubricating oil and other flammable Oils, Bilge pumping arrangements, Ballast pumping arrangements on column-stabilized units, Protection against flooding, Anchoring arrangements for surface and column-stabilized units and the details of the Dynamic positioning systems.

The further Sections of the code cover in detail the guidelines for Electrical installations for all types of units including the General electrical requirements, Main source and emergency source of electrical power, Starting arrangements for emergency generators, Precautions against shock, fire, and other hazards of electrical origin.

MODU Code has a section of rules for Communications systems on board for internal communication.

The CODE lays down rules for the Classification of hazardous areas and Machinery and electrical installations in hazardous areas, Openings, access, and ventilation conditions affecting the extent of hazardous areas and the Ventilation of spaces.

All aspects covering the Emergency conditions due to drilling operations, Electrical installations in hazardous areas, Machinery installations in hazardous areas, Machinery and electrical installations for self-propelled units, Means of going astern, Steam boilers and boiler feed systems, Machinery controls, Steering gear, Electric, and electro-hydraulic steering gear, Communication between the navigating bridge and the engine-room.

 

Under Res. A.649(16) stringent guidelines with regards to the Engineer’s alarm, Main source of electrical power, Emergency source of electrical power, and Periodically unattended machinery spaces are outlined.

MODU Code also describes guidelines for Protection against flooding, Bridge control of propulsion machinery, Communication, Alarm system, Special requirements for machinery, boiler and electrical installations, and Safety systems.

Fire Safety is separately dealt with within the code and Structural fire protection, Protection of accommodation spaces, service spaces, and control stations, Means of escape, Fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses, Fire-extinguishing systems in machinery spaces and spaces containing fired processes, Portable fire extinguishers in accommodation, service and working spaces, Fire detection and alarm system, Gas detection and alarm system, Firemen’s outfits.

Planning of facilities including Arrangements in machinery and working spaces, for helicopter facilities, Storage of gas cylinders, Life-saving appliances, and equipment is given due importance within the code.

Emergency escape systems with include Survival craft, Survival craft muster and embarkation arrangements, Survival craft launching stations, Stowage of survival craft, Survival craft launching and recovery arrangements, Rescue boats, Stowage of rescue boats, Rescue boat embarkation, launching and recovery arrangements, Lifejackets, Immersion suits, Lifebuoys, Radio life-saving appliances, Distress flares, Line-throwing appliances, Emergency warnings, Operating instructions, Operational readiness, maintenance and inspections, Radio-communication installations, Self-propelled units underway, Units when towed, or self-propelled and accompanied by escort ships, Units stationary at the site or engaged in drilling operations, Helicopter communications, Technical specifications for equipment, Gas explosion danger, Accommodation for radio personnel, Survey of the radio station.

Other essential parts like Lifting devices, Cranes, Personnel lifts, Drilling derricks, Operating requirements, Operating manuals, Dangerous goods, Pollution prevention, Towing, Transfer of material, equipment or personnel, Diving systems, Safety of navigation, Emergency procedures, Emergency instructions, Training manuals, Practice musters and drills, On-board training, and instructions are also dealt with in the MODU Code.