By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 4 -- Det Norske Veritas is proposing a joint industry project (JIP) to evaluate design methods and recommendations for installation, operation, and maintenance of offshore pipelines in Arctic regions. It also would establish a common practice for addressing the challenges of such operations, which includes ice interaction with surface and subsea offshore installations.

The final results of the JIP will be published as the Recommended Practice (RP) for 'Arctic Offshore Pipelines,' DNV said.

The project could begin by yearend 2007 or early 2008 and is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.

The estimated costs are 400 kroner ($68,000)/operator and 200 kroner ($34,000)/contractor.

"Operators, regulators, designers, pipeline contractors, specialists, research institutions, and universities are invited to participate in the JIP, both through funding and through work-in-kind contributions," said Catherine Jahre-Nilsen, DNV's project manager.

The areas tentatively identified for the RP to address include design philosophy and design principles; design concepts; routing; line pipe; ice interaction loads (simple and advanced approaches; pipeline protection; fabrication and installation; and operation, inspection, and repair.

The RP will be an official code for use by pipeline operators and designers, and will present a common and documented approach that supplements the requirements of DNV-OS-F101 (offshore standards for submarine pipeline systems) and other internationally recognized pipeline codes. It will be subsequently updated and maintained to reflect ongoing research and development, future JIPs, and project experience.