By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 24 -- International classification society ABS has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan that recognizes ABS' classification and certification services for offshore oil and gas vessels, including drilling rigs, in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea.
ABS signed a similar MOU last year with the Azerbaijani oil and gas safety agency Gosgortechnadzor (GGTN) responsible for offshore development in its sector of the Caspian Sea.
To date ABS has classified the Maersk Explorer/Lider—the first semisubmersible deepwater mobile drilling unit built in Azerbaijan and the most technologically advanced—and world-class, self-elevating drilling unit Trident 20/Qurtulus. In addition ABS classed the world's only Arctic-class barge drilling rig, the Parker 257/Sunkar, which was built not for the Arctic north but to tap the reserves off Kazakhstan.
