By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Feb. 1 -- The US Minerals Management Service proposed a rulemaking to incorporate by reference into its regulations nine standards regarding floating production systems.
MMS explained that adopting the eight American Petroleum Institute and one American Welding Society standards would enhance its ability to permit floating offshore platforms that have not been specifically covered under its existing rules.
The floating production systems include column-stabilized units; floating production, storage, and offloading systems; tension-leg platforms; and spars.
Carolita Kallaur, MMS associate director for offshore minerals management, said, "These specific standards were identified as critical to the continued success of deepwater developments that rely on floating production systems.
"Industry assumes the high financial risks of developing deepwater areas; this effort would provide certainty in the regulatory expectations for equipment and systems used in deepwater developments. These documents also improve MMS engineers' efforts in reviewing each new project to ensure structural integrity, operational and human safety, and environmental protection."
MMS requested public comment on the proposed rule by Mar. 27.