DNV GL hosted its annual North America Rig Owners’ Committee meeting with a focus on maximizing value through innovation, efficiency gains, and digitalization while maintaining high level of safety throughout all operations.
Digitalization and innovation were the focus of the DNV GL North America Rig Owners’ Committee (ROC) on May 2nd at the company’s Americas headquarters in Houston. At the annual gathering members discuss innovation, operations, and the service needs of the industry, and provided DNV GL with feedback critical to the company’s improvement efforts and for future development of the DNV GL offshore class rules.
Comprised of more than 60 individuals from across the continent, the committee holds immense operational experience with mobile offshore units and floating production units and is considered a definitive forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience and views on aspects related to offshore services and the industry globally.
Industry insight
The market downturn triggered a new type of creativity in the offshore industry and, as signs of a recovery begin to show, owners and operators are encouraged to embrace new technologies and ways of working. At the ROC meeting, members shared insight and details on the strategic approach their companies are taken to apply some of the solutions currently available that provide safer and more efficient operations.
While increased automation and interconnectivity has the potential to improve the safety, efficiency and environmental performance of offshore operations, it also brings new challenges. Committee members shared their experience and key learnings in dealing with some of the challenges, including cybersecurity. There was significant discussion surrounding cyber risks and the measures to safeguarding sensitive infrastructure systems that may be targets for attack. .
DNV GL is leading the way in embracing the digital revolution and innovating to provide clients with new and enhanced services. Are Torstensen, DNV GL Director of Technology and Service development, Offshore Classification, provided an overview of the evolution of the company’s offshore classification rules and the new ‘Smart and Digital Class’ services.
New innovations are continuously being deployed as DNV GL looks for ways to create a more value adding classification scheme with a goal of zero down time due to regulatory and class requirements. The current portfolio includes the company’s Barrier Based Reporting, extended assurance, D.A.T.E., as well as the latest innovation and industry-first, Remote Surveys- which are available to be used by all DNV GL-classed vessels and offshore units through the company’s Veracity digital platform since March 2019.
Safety at the coreNew technologies offer great opportunities but capitalizing on them is not always easy and they should not take precedent over safety. “Rig owners recognize the importance of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement,” said Jeff Ivory, the acting DNV GL North American Rig Owners’ Committee chairman. “Our committee’s efforts will continue to focus on sustaining and furthering our industry’s achievements in support of safe operations.
“As a classification society, ensuring safety at sea is our core purpose. In a rapidly transforming offshore industry, this means introducing a safety net that can cope with new digital risks.” Said Craig Koehne, DNV GL Maritime Americas Regional Offshore Manager – North America. “We are extremely proud of the success of the North American Rig Owners’ Committee and its influence in guiding the market over the years. The committee members’ input is vital to improve the relevance and quality of DNV GL services, and we look forward to continuing to partner with industry through this digital transformation.”