DNV GL received an enquiry recently from Andrew Moig, Group Quality Services Manager of Swire Oilfield Services who asked us (in the context of DNV 2.7-1) to clarify exactly what is meant when a we refer to an Offshore Container that has been subject to DNV GL Certification
A historical basis - IMO MSC/Circ. 860In May 1998 the International Marine Organisation (IMO) released IMO MSC/Circ. 860 “Guidelines for the approval of offshore containers handled in open seas”. One intention of this publication was to align various international requirements (including the CSC Convention and IMDG) relating to the design, manufacturing and testing of offshore containers. The circular states that “approving competent authorities should base their approval…on calculations and testing” and provides guidance to “assist approving competent authorities in developing detailed requirements for offshore containers.” In addition to the basic requirements, the circular refers to a number of standards that “should be consulted as appropriate”, one of which being DNV 2.7-1 – DNV GL Standard for the Certification of Offshore Containers.
DNV 2.7-1
DNV 2.7-1 was first published May 1989 as “DNV Certification Note 2.7-1 Offshore Freight Containers”, the most recent version “DNV Standard for Certification No. 2.7-1 Offshore Containers” was released in June 2013.
The standard defines minimum technical and safety related requirements to be used as a basis on which to Certify Offshore Containers, as mandated by the IMDG code. DNV 2.7-1 has no legal restrictions on its application by other recognised competent approval authorities, as referred to by IMO MSC/Circ. 860.
In essence, an Offshore Container subject to DNV GL Certification has been certified in accordance with DNV GL’s interpretation of these Standards, including Design Assessment, Manufacturing / Testing Surveillance and Final Inspection by DNV GL. These activities are undertaken by DNV GL Approval Engineers and Surveyors confirmed competent by our experts to interpret and apply the requirements via our own documented training and competence scheme. This ensures the consistency and robustness, instrumental to manufacturing products epitomizing the level safety and quality expected by our customers, their customers, end-users and all other interested parties.
Whilst Certification in accordance with DNV 2.7-1 may be offered by companies other than DNV GL, the risk and liability for doing so rests with them. Offshore Containers shall not be recognised as being or implied as having been DNV GL Certified, nor marketed/branded as such, unless done so by DNV GL themselves; this of course applies equally to DNV 2.7-2 and DNV 2.7-3 Certified equipment.