What is EN ISO 19917:2019?

The EN ISO 19917:2019 standard, also known as "Petroleum and natural gas industries – Offshore structures – Design, planning and construction," is a technical document with guidelines for the design, planning, and construction of offshore structures in the petroleum and natural gas industries. This standard is regarded as essential in ensuring the safety, reliability, and integrity of offshore structures, which are subjected to extreme environmental conditions and operational requirements.

Background

The development of EN ISO 19917:2019 was led by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It combines knowledge and experience from experts around the world to provide comprehensive guidance on aspects such as structural design, material selection, safety considerations, and emergency response for offshore structures.

Main Guidelines

The main guidelines covered in EN ISO 19917:2019 include:

Environmental loads and effects: The standard provides criteria for assessing environmental loads such as waves, currents, wind, ice, and earthquakes, and their potential effects on offshore structures.

Structural design: It includes requirements and methodology for designing various types of offshore structures, considering factors like strength, stability, and fatigue life.

Material selection: The standard outlines standards for selecting materials with suitable properties to withstand harsh conditions and improve the longevity of the structures.

Safety considerations: EN ISO 19917:2019 addresses safety measures related to installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of offshore structures, aiming to reduce risks to personnel and the environment.

Emergency response: The standard emphasizes the need for robust emergency response plans to handle potential incidents or accidents in offshore operations.

Benefits and Adoption

EN ISO 19917:2019 provides a standardized approach to the design and construction of offshore structures, ensuring safety, durability, and environmental protection. Its adoption by companies and regulatory bodies enhances consistency and reduces variability in design practices. Compliance with this standard also helps in achieving international recognition and acceptance for offshore projects.