LR Covers Offshore Support Vessels and Walk-to-Work Technology with New Class Notations

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has introduced a range of new class notations which cover offshore support vessels (OSVs) intended to operate in renewable energy sectors such as the offshore wind market.

LR has also launched the special feature notation, ‘W2W’ (Walk-to-Work), which is applicable to personnel transfer systems. These systems are now increasingly used not only in the in the renewable sector but also in the oil and gas sector.

The notation ‘Offshore Support Vessel’ has been introduced where more specific notations might fall outside the scope of the intended operation of the vessel.

The expanding vessel type, sometimes referred to as SOV (service operation vessel), which supports the offshore wind farm industry, would fall into this category, and with LR’s new ‘W2W’ notation included in the string of class notations, it is now possible define this type of vessel and its operations.

LR introduced the new class notations for OSVs to reflect their development and changing service features, while retaining established notations.

Richard McLoughlin, LR’s Strategic Market Manager, said: “The drive by industry to deliver innovative solutions, designed to operate under challenging offshore conditions, has been tremendous. Our new class notations are Lloyd’s Register’s response to that evolution and ensure the role of class continues to deliver stakeholder assurance.”