A trusted partner worldwide for floating production systems.

With over 80 floating production units currently in DNV Class, from installations in the world’s harshest offshore environments to those in benign conditions, we bring proven expertise across all major regions globally. 

DNV is a trusted classification partner for Floating Production and Storage (FPSO) and Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) units worldwide, supporting projects that range from cutting-edge developments to legacy installations. With deep technical expertise, regulatory insight, and a strong focus on decarbonization and digitalization, we enable total compliance with class and shelf state requirements across the full lifecycle, helping our partners operate safely, efficiently, and with confidence for the future. 

Navigating the evolving demands of floating production systems

Operating floating production units today means staying ahead of evolving expectations. Shifting regulations, stricter emissions targets, ageing infrastructure, and the introduction of new fuel systems are placing continuous pressure on floating production asset owners and operators.

We work closely with operators, asset owners, EPC contactors, and shipyards to address these challenges with clarity and precision. Whether you're planning a new unit, managing an ageing asset, or navigating new regulations, we help you act with certainty. 

  • An integrated approach to compliance and integrity: We align class, flag, and national requirements through one integrated project model to avoid confusion and costly surprises.
  • Decarbonization and fuel transition: We help you reduce emissions and integrate new fuel systems through strategic guidance and trusted technical expertise.
  • Life Extension and Risk Management: DNV's Offshore Technical Guidance and methodology is built on recognized international standards to ensure continued safe operation, and tailors to the complexity of your asset.

Our offshore strategic priorities in Decarbonization, Digitalization, Asset Integrity, and Cost Savings aligns with the industry's demands to ensure safe and efficient operation of all floating production units worldwide.

How does DNV support floating production throughout the asset lifecycle?

We provide plan approval and classification services for FPSOs, FLNGs, FSOs, MOPUs, and novel units, all backed by DNV’s offshore rules and global project experience. Our flexible and tailored approach to conversions addresses site-specific conditions, structural age, and regulatory compliance, including acceptance of proven equipment and alternative design solutions.

We support regulatory alignment in key jurisdictions such as Brazil (ANP), the US (BSEE), the UK (HSE), Norway (Havtil), and Australia (NOPSEMA), helping you prepare documentation and meet local shelf state requirements with confidence.

DNV evaluates asset condition and operational history to support safe and efficient life extension of aging floating production units. Our approach is aligned with global regulatory requirements and backed by a network of specialist surveyors and engineers to ensure continued compliance and reliable operations across all regions globally. 

We apply risk-based inspection strategies to prioritize inspection activities based on asset-specific risks. Our digital tools for a targeted inspection approach allow for remote data driven verification, resulting in safer and more cost-efficient operations. This increases flexibility, and at the same time reduces both intrusive inspections and class induced costs. 

Using DNV’s SESAM and Nauticus software, we support hull fatigue analysis, mooring performance, and structural reassessment. Our PMS digital tools also support condition tracking and survey planning to optimize inspection regimes.

We deliver process safety assurance through our PROD notation and offer FEED-stage support including Hazard Identification (HAZID), Hazard and Operability (HAZOP), Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), quantitative risk analysis, and regulatory verification. 

DNV supports offshore units in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through dedicated notations like ABATE. We help embed decarbonization strategies into asset design, operational planning, and retrofit solutions.  
A trusted partner in floating production systems.

DNV is built on proven experience, market leadership, and a global presence.  

  • Pioneers in FPSO

    DNV classified the world’s first purpose-built FPSO, Petrojarl I, and the first FPSO in the US Gulf of Mexico (BW Pioneer). Today, we continue to be one of the leading classification societies for FPSOs. Our long-standing engagement in FPSO regulation and design spans multiple geographies and field conditions giving us unmatched insight into design, compliance, and operational needs across a wide spectrum of floating production projects.

  • Global leader in FLNG classification 

    DNV classed the world’s first operational FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas) newbuild and the first FLNG conversion. We continue to lead the industry by classing the majority of units worldwide, supporting both newbuilding designs and complex conversions.

  • Broad technical coverage across floating production units 

    DNV provides classification, verification, and advisory services tailored to a wide variety of floating production systems, including FPSOs, FLNGs, FSOs, FPUs, MOPUs, and novel low-carbon production units. Our expertise spans turret- and spread-moored designs, circular hulls, barges, jack-ups, and hybrid systems, ensuring safety and compliance across all concepts and operating environments. Learn more: Offshore Classification services.
What types of floating production units do we support?

DNV supports the full spectrum of floating production units across all stages of their lifecycle, from newbuilds and conversions to continued operation and life extension. These include:

  • FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading)
  • FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas)
  • FPU (Floating Production Units)
  • MOPU (Mobile Offshore Production Units)
  • FSO (Floating Storage and Offloading units)
  • FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Units)

We also support a growing number of novel processing units including:

  • Ammonia production units
  • Methanol production units
  • Hydrogen production units
  • CO2 injection units
  • Other novel or hybrid offshore production assets

Whether conventional or future-focused, we work with asset owners to ensure each unit is designed, maintained, and operated with confidence.

Customers and cases

Signature tools and capabilities

Resources