New DNV GL recommended practice on subsea welding removes uncertainty, improves quality

OSLO - A new recommended practice (RP) to standardize operator requirements for welding and inspection of subsea equipment, has been published by DNV GL. Developed through a joint industry project, the new RP aims to streamline manufacturing processes and significantly reduce lead-time and cost.

For the first time, DNVGL-RP-B204 “Welding of subsea production system equipment” provides agreed and harmonized operator requirements and best practice guidelines that will ensure consistency in the fabrication of subsea pressure retaining equipment such as wellheads, Xmas trees, manifolds and jumpers.

The RP has been published following a JIP, initiated by DNV GL in February 2017. The JIP involving twelve operators, contractors and fabricators addressed supply chain uncertainty and high costs related to qualifying welding activities. The RP has already been included as a contract reference in several new subsea development projects.

“The joint industry project has shown that the subsea sector is willing and prepared to standardize requirements in order to safely reduce cost while ensuring consistent high quality. This new addition to DNV GL’s growing set of recommended practices for subsea applications is another important step towards a more united, sustainable, and cost-effective sector,” said Stian Saltnes Gurrik, JIP Project Manager, materials technology.

DNVGL-RP-B204 complements the launch of another new DNV GL RP to deliver more cost and environmentally efficient subsea processing for improved hydrocarbon recovery. DNVGL-RP-F303 provides a detailed specification for subsea pumping systems and complements existing industry standards.

The company’s series of JIPs aims to extend the scope of RPs to more applications within subsea production systems.

“The oil and gas sector is on a clear path to increasing efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint. In order to keep pace and stay competitive, it is essential for all involved in the subsea industry to work together to standardize operations and avoid unnecessary cost and risk. DNV GL’s new recommended practice for Welding of subsea production system equipment will support this goal. “added Liv A. Hovem, CEO, DNV GL – Oil & Gas.