TECHNICAL POLICY BOARD

GUIDELINES FOR MARINE LIFTING & LOWERING OPERATIONS

0027/ND

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 GUIDELINES FOR MARINE LIFTING & LOWERING OPERATIONS

PREFACE

This document has been drawn with care to address what are considered to be the primary issues in relation to the
contents based on the experience of the GL Noble Denton Group of Companies (“the Group”). This should not,
however, be taken to mean that this document deals comprehensively with all of the issues which will need to be
addressed or even, where a particular matter is addressed, that this document sets out a definitive view for all
situations. In using this document, it should be treated as giving guidelines for sound and prudent practice, but
guidelines must be reviewed in each particular case by the responsible organisation in each project to ensure that
the particular circumstances of that project are addressed in a way which is adequate and appropriate to ensure that
the overall guidance given is sound and comprehensive.
Reasonable precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document to seek to ensure that the content is
correct and error free. However, no company in the Group
 shall be liable for any loss or damage incurred resulting from the use of the information contained herein or
 shall voluntarily assume a responsibility in tort to any party or
 shall owe a duty of care to any party other than to its contracting customer entity (subject always to the terms
of contract between such Group company and subcontracting customer entity).

This document must be read in its entirety and is subject to any assumptions and qualifications expressed therein as
well as in any other relevant communications by the Group in connection with it. Elements of this document contain
detailed technical data which is intended for analysis only by persons possessing requisite expertise in its subject
matter.

© 2013 Noble Denton Group Limited. The content of this document is the copyright of Noble Denton Group Limited.
All rights reserved. Any reproduction in other material must have written permission. Extracts may be reproduced
provided that their origin is clearly referenced.

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 GUIDELINES FOR MARINE LIFTING & LOWERING OPERATIONS

CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE NO.
1 SUMMARY 5
2 INTRODUCTION 6
3 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS 9
4 THE APPROVAL PROCESS 14
4.1 GL Noble Denton Approval 14
4.2 Scope of work leading to an approval 14
4.3 Approval of moorings 15
4.4 Limitation of Approval 15
4.5 Surveys 16
5 LOAD AND SAFETY FACTORS 17
5.1 Introduction 17
5.2 Weight contingency factors 19
5.3 Hook loads 19
5.4 Module Tilt 19
5.5 Lift point loads 19
5.6 Sling loads 20
5.7 Dynamic Amplification Factors 20
5.8 Skew load factor (SKL) 21
5.9 2-Hook Lift Factors 22
5.10 2-Part Sling Factor 22
5.11 Termination Efficiency Factor 23
5.12 Bending efficiency factor 23
5.13 Sling or grommet safety factors 23
5.14 Shackle safety factors 24
5.15 Grommets 24
5.16 Consequence factors 24
5.17 Fibre Rope Deployment Systems 24
6 THE CRANE AND INSTALLATION VESSEL 26
6.1 Cranes 26
6.2 Hook load 26
6.3 Heave Compensation 26
6.4 Installation Vessel 26
6.5 DP Systems (if applicable) 27
6.6 Mooring Systems (if applicable) 27
7 STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS 28
7.1 Codes and specifications 28
7.2 Load cases and structural modelling 28
7.3 Structure 28
7.4 Lift points 28
7.5 Spreader bars, frames & other structural items of lifting equipment 28
7.6 Allowable stresses 28
7.7 Independent analysis 28
8 LIFT POINT DESIGN 29
8.1 Introduction 29
8.2 Sling ovalisation 29
8.3 Plate rolling and loading direction 29
8.4 Pin Holes 29
8.5 Cast Padears and welded trunnions 29
8.6 Inspection of Lift Points 30
8.7 Cheek plates 30
8.8 Lateral lift point load 30

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9 CLEARANCES 31
9.1 Introduction 31
9.2 Clearances around lifted object (Floating crane) 31
9.3 Clearances around lifted object (Jacked-up crane) 31
9.4 Clearances around crane vessel 32
9.5 Clearances around mooring lines and anchors 32
10 BUMPERS AND GUIDES 33
10.1 Introduction 33
10.2 Module movement 33
10.3 Position of bumpers and guides 33
10.4 Bumper and guide forces 34
10.5 Design considerations 34
11 INSTALLATION OF SUBSEA EQUIPMENT 36
11.1 Scope 36
11.2 Design Principles 36
11.3 Subsea Lifting Requirements (additional to those in air) 37
11.4 Deployment System 38
11.5 Positioning and Landing 38
11.6 ROV Systems 39
11.7 Testing 39
11.8 Suction Piles & Foundations 39
11.9 Driven Anchor Piles 40
11.10 Jumpers and Tie-in Spools 40
11.11 Rigid Pipe Riser Installation 41
11.12 Subsea Storage Tanks 42
12 OPERATIONS AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 44
12.1 Organisation, Planning and Documentation 44
12.2 Safety 44
12.3 Weather-Restricted Operations and Weather Forecasts 44
12.4 Environmental Design Criteria 44
12.5 Survey and Positioning 44
12.6 Vessel Motions 45
12.7 Safe Access 45
12.8 Loose Equipment 45
12.9 Seafastening Removal 45
12.10 Slings & Shackles 46
12.11 Lifting Tools 47
12.12 Colour coding 47
REFERENCES 48
APPENDIX A - INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL 49

TABLES
Table 4-1 Typically Required Surveys 16
Table 5-1 Dynamic Amplification Factors (DAF) in Air 20
Table 5-2 Bending Efficiency Factors 23
Table 5-3 Consequence Factors 24
Table 10-1 Default Bumper & Guide Forces (Offshore) 34

FIGURES
Figure 5-1 Lift Calculation Flowchart 18
Figure 5-2 Resolving Sling Loading 19
Figure 8-1 Indicative shaping of padear bearing surface 29

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1 SUMMARY
1.1 These guidelines have been developed for the design and approval of marine lifting operations,
including subsea installations (but excluding pipelines and flowlines).

1.2 This document supersedes the previous revision, document No. 0027/ND Rev 9 dated 31 March 2010. 10
The changes are described in Section 2.13.

1.3 These guidelines cover lifting operations by floating crane vessels, including crane barges, crane
ships, semi-submersible crane vessels and jack-up crane vessels. They also include subsea
installations using a crane, winch or derrick. They may also be applied to lifting operations by land-
based cranes for the purpose of load-out. They are intended to lead to an approval by GL Noble
Denton, which may be required where an operation is the subject of an insurance warranty, or where
an independent third party review is required.

1.4 A description of the approval process is given for those projects which are the subject of an insurance
warranty.

1.5 The report includes guidelines for the load and safety factors to be applied at the design stage.

1.6 Comments on the practical aspects of the management of the operation are also offered.

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2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 This document provides guidelines on which the design and approval of marine lifting operations may
be based.
2.2 It covers lifting operations by floating crane vessels, including crane barges, crane ships, semi-
submersible crane vessels, jack-up crane vessels, winches or derricks. It refers to lifting operations
inshore and offshore and to installation of subsea equipment excluding pipelines and flowlines which 10
are covered in 0029/ND “Guidelines for Submarine Pipeline Installation”, Ref. [4]. Reference is also
made to lifting operations by land-based cranes for the purpose of load-out or load-in onto or from a
barge or other transportation vessel.
2.3 The guidelines and calculation methods set out in this report represent the views of GL Noble Denton
and are considered to be sound and in accordance with offshore industry practice. Operators should
also consider national and local regulations, which may be more stringent.
2.4 The Report includes guidelines for the safety factors to be applied, comments on safe rigging practice
and the information and documentation to be produced by others in order to obtain GL Noble Denton
approval.
2.5 Revision 2 superseded and replaced the previous version, Revision 1, dated 11th August 1993.
Principal changes in Revision 2 included:
 Reference to the ISO Draft Standard on weight control
 Reserves specified on weights as calculated or measured according to the ISO/DIS
 Limitations of GL Noble Denton Approval clarified
 Changes to the required clearances on pipelines and other subsea assets
 Addition to a section on heave-compensated lifts
 Addition of a section on lifts using Dynamic Positioning.

2.6 Revision 3 superseded and replaced Revision 2, and includes additional clarification on safety factors
for shackles, and testing and certification requirements.
2.7 Revision 4 superseded and replaced Revision 3, and includes:
 Changes to referenced documents (Sections 2.3 and References)
 Some changes to definitions (Section 3)
 Changes to Dynamic Amplification Factors, to eliminate discontinuities (Section 5.7)
 Elimination of an anomaly in the definition of Hook Load (Section 5.3)
 Inclusion of consideration of fibre slings (Sections 5.10, 5.15 and 12)
 Elimination of an anomaly in the treatment of spreader bars and frames (Sections 5.16 and 7.5)
 Modification of the flow chart (old Section 5.16)
 Changes to the derivation of bumper and guide design forces (Section 10.3).

2.8 Revision 5 superseded and replaced Revision 4, and corrected typographical errors in Table 5-1.
2.9 Revision 6 superseded and replaces Revision 5, and made the following principal revisions:
 The Guideline refers as appropriate to other standards, including
- ISO International Standard ISO2408 - Steel wire ropes for General Purposes –
Characteristics, Ref. [9]
- ISO International Standard ISO 7531 - Wire Rope slings for General Purposes -
Characteristics and Specifications , Ref. [10]
 Definitions in Section 3 were generally revised and expanded.
 Section 4.1.2 added for the Certificate of Approval

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 Section 5 was re-ordered, Figure 5-1 revised, DAF's expanded to include submerged lifts,
guidelines for 1 crane-2 hook lifts added, yaw factor for inshore lifts deleted, use of alternative
codes added, minimum sling angles included
 Old Section 11 (Underwater Lifting) moved into Section 5.7.7
 Section 5.6.8 added for inshore lifts made by jack-up crane vessels.
 Section 5.6.9 expanded to include weather forecast levels.
 Section 5.8.5 added: SKL for multi hook lifts.
 Table 5-3: consequence factors revised.
 Section 5.12.6 added: sling eye design.
 Sections 6.3.1 and 8.7 added.
 Old Section 12 (Heave compensated lifts) moved to Section 6.3.1
 Section 8.5 expanded to include trunnions and sling retainers.
 Clearances in Section 9.4 generally updated and expanded.
 Dimensional control requirements added to 10.3 and design requirements in Section 10.5.4.
 Sections 9.2.6 - 9.2.8 added: bumper and guide clearances and dropped objects.
 Limitation on number of chained shackles and shackle orientation added in Section 12.10.5.
 Section 13 updated, showing requirements for sling certificates, doubled sling restrictions and
requirements for wire/sling type.
 Old Section 13 (Lifts using DP) moved to Sections 12.7.1 and 12.8.9.
 Sections 12.8.7 and 12.8.8 amended for in field environmental condition monitoring.
 Section 12.8.10 added for risk assessments and HAZOPs
 General text changes and revisions made.

2.10 Revision 7 superseded and replaced Revision 6. The changes were the removal of “by Floating Crane
Vessels” in the document title and a correction in Section 5.14.1.
2.11 Revision 8 superseded and replaced Revision 7. The change was a correction in Section 5.12.5.
2.12 Revision 9 superseded and replaced Revision 8. The changes were:
 Definitions (Barge, IACS, Insurance Warranty, NDT, Survey, Vessel, Surveyor, Weather-
Restricted Operation, and Weather-Unrestricted Operations) in Section 3 revised.
 Text modified in Section 4.1.2.
 Weather forecast needs modified in Section 4.3.1.
 Weight and CoG factor for piles added in Section 5.2.5.
 CoG factor included for lifts not using a CoG envelope in Section 5.5.4.
 DAF for lifts 100t to 1000t revised in Table 5-1.
 Text added in Section 5.8.6 for 4 unequal slings in a single hook lift.
 Factor for fibre rope sling splices included in Section 5.11.1.
 Radius changed to diameter in Section 5.12.5.
 Shackle MBL used instead of sling MBL in Section 5.14.2
 Text amended in Sections 6.2.4, 8.4.1 and 12.10.h.
 Clause added for tuggers attached to lift points in Section 7.4.3.
 Clearances clarified in Sections 8.7.2 , 9.2.1.
 Bumper force increased in Section 10.4.1.d.
 Secondary bumper and guide forces added in Section 10.4.4.
 Set down loads added in Section 10.4.2.

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 IACS member certification added in Sections 12.1.1 and 12.6.1.

 Sling certificate validity added in (old) Section 12.6.3.
 Spreader bar/frame certification added in (old) Sections 12.6.6 and 12.6.7
 Reference [3] (0032/ND – Guidelines for Moorings) added.
 Reference [9] (LR Lifting Code) added.
 Mooring analysis requirements added to Sections 12.1.1 and 12.7.3 to 12.7.7.

2.13 This Revision 10 supersedes and replaces Revision 9. Major changes are marked with a line in the
right hand margin and are:
 The installation of subsea equipment has been added, mainly in Section 11.
 Part of the Approval Process has been moved from Section 4 to Section 4 of 0001/ND “General
Guidelines for Marine Projects”, Ref. [1].
 Various changes and new headings in Figure 5-1.
 Weight control in Section 5.2 now references Section 8 of of 0001/ND, Ref. [1].
 Clarification of Rigging Geometry in Section 5.4 and Lift Point Loads in Section 5.5.
 Text to consider measuring slings over pins included in Section 5.8.1.
 Section 5.9.4 added for 2-hook load factors and Sections 5.10.2, 5.10.4 and 5.10.5 for 2-part
sling factors.
 Minimum safety factor for synthetic (fibre) slings reduced from 4.75 to 4.0 in Section 5.13.3.
 Clarification of shackle safety factors in Section 5.14.2 and grommets in Section 5.15.6.
 Allowance is made for DAFs already included in certified capacity in Section 7.5.2.
 Section 7.6.1 now references 0001/ND, Ref. [1] for load factors for structural steel.
 SLS and ULS limit states are replaced with LS1 (gravity dominated) and LS2 (environmental
load dominated) in Sections 7.6.2 and 10.5.4.
 Clarification of sling ovalisation is Section 8.2
 Extra details provide of lift point inspection added to Section 8.6
10
 Section 8.8 (lateral lift point load) relocated from Section 5.
 Section 9.2.10 added for reduced clearances around lifted objects.
 Clearances around mooring lines and anchors has been transfered from old Section 9.4 to
0032/ND, “Guidelines for Moorings”, Ref. [6].
 Consideration of relative motion for lifing onto floating structures in included in Section 10.2.3.
 Section 12.3 now references 0001/ND, Ref. [1], for Weather Restricted Operations and
Metocean Reduction Factors.
 Ampification of requirements for removing seafastenings and other secondary steel before
lifting starting in Section 12.9.3 and moving the transport vessel in Section 12.9.4.
 Additional guidance on slings and shackles in Section 12.10.
 Ref. [11] changed in Section 12.10.11 and in the Reference section.
 Guidance for use of Lifting Tools added in Section 12.11 and colour coding in Section 12.12.
 Information required for approval has been moved from the old Section 13 to Appendix A and
the criteria in that section has been moved to earlier sections in the document.

2.14 All GL Noble Denton Guidelines can be downloaded from:

http://www.gl-nobledenton.com/en/rules_guidelines.php

2.15 Please contact the Technical Policy Board Secretary at TPB@nobledenton.com with any queries or
feedback.

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3 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS

3.1 Referenced definitions are underlined.

Term or Acronym Definition

50/50 weight The value representing the median value in the probability distribution of
estimate weight
9-Part sling A sling made from a single laid sling braided nine times with the single laid
sling eyes forming each eye of the 9-part sling.
Added Mass Added mass or virtual mass is the inertia added to a system because an
accelerating or decelerating body must move some volume of surrounding
water as it moves through it, since the object and fluid cannot occupy the
same physical space simultaneously.
This is normally calculated as Mass of the water displaced by the structure
multiplied by the added mass coefficient.
Added Mass Non-dimensional coefficient dependant on the overall shape of the
Coefficient structure
Approval The act, by the designated GL Noble Denton representative, of issuing a
Certificate of Approval
ASD Allowable Stress Design (effectively the same as WSD)
Barge A non-propelled vessel commonly used to carry cargo or equipment. (For
the purposes of this document, the term Barge can be considered to
include Pontoon, Ship or Vessel where appropriate).
Bending Reduction The reduction factor applied to the breaking load of a rope or cable to take
Factor / account of the reduction in strength caused by bending round a shackle,
EB trunnion, diverter or crane hook.
Cable-laid sling A cable made up of 6 ropes laid up over a core rope, as shown in IMCA
guidance, Ref. [7], with terminations at each end.

Certificate of A formal document issued by GL Noble Denton stating that, in its

Approval judgement and opinion, all reasonable checks, preparations and
precautions have been taken to keep risks within acceptable limits, and an
operation may proceed.
CGBL / The load at which a grommet will break, calculated in accordance with one
Calculated Grommet of the methods shown in IMCA guidance, Ref. [7]
Breaking Load
Competent person Someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and
other qualities that allow them to assist you properly. The level of
competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the
particular help required.
Consequence Factor A factor to ensure that main structural members, lift points and spreader
bars /frames have an increased factor of safety (including lateral loads)
related to the consequence of their failure.
Crane vessel The vessel, ship or barge on which lifting equipment is mounted. For the
purposes of this report it is considered to include: crane barge, crane ship,
derrick barge, floating shear-leg, heavy lift vessel, semi-submersible crane
vessel (SSCV) and jack-up crane vessel.

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Term or Acronym Definition

CRBL / The load at which a cable laid rope will break, calculated in accordance
Calculated Rope with one of the methods shown in IMCA guidance, Ref. [7].
Breaking Load
CSBL / The load at which a sling will break, calculated in accordance with one of
Calculated Sling the methods shown in IMCA guidance, Ref. [7]. The breaking load for a
Breaking Load sling takes into account the ET (Termination Efficiency Factor) and EB
(Bending Reduction Factor) if greater.
DAF / The factor by which the gross weight is multiplied, to account for
Dynamic accelerations and impacts during the lifting operation
Amplification Factor
Determinate lift A lift where the slinging arrangement is such that the sling loads are
statically determinate, and are not significantly affected by minor
differences in sling length or elasticity
DP Dynamic Positioning or Dynamically Positioned
EB See Bending Reduction Factor
ET See Termination Efficiency Factor
FAT Factory Acceptance Test
FMEA or Failure Modes and Effects Analysis or
FMECA Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis
FoS Factor of Safety
FSE Free Surface Effect
GL Noble Denton The legal entity trading under the GL Noble Denton name which is
contracted to carry out the scope of work and issues a Certificate of
Approval, or provides advice, recommendations or designs as a
consultancy service.
Grommet A grommet is comprised of a single length of unit rope laid up 6 times over
a core, as shown in IMCA guidance, Ref. [7], to form an endless loop
Gross Weight The calculated or weighed weight of the structure to be lifted including a
weight contingency factor and excluding lift rigging. See also NTE weight.
Hook Load Dynamic hook load is static hook load times DAF
(Dynamic)
Hook Load (Static) The Hook Load is the Gross Weight or NTE weight plus the rigging weight
IACS International Association of Classification Societies
Indeterminate lift Any lift where the sling loads are not statically determinate
Insurance Warranty A clause in the insurance policy for a particular venture, requiring the
approval of a marine operation by a specified independent survey house.
LARS Launch And Recovery System
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide
LBL Long Baseline Array
Lift point The connection between the rigging and the structure to be lifted. May
include padear, padeye or trunnion

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Term or Acronym Definition

Load-in The transfer of a major assembly or a module from a barge, e.g. by
horizontal movement or by lifting
Load-out The transfer of a major assembly or a module onto a barge, e.g. by
horizontal movement or by lifting
LS1 / A design condition where the loading is gravity dominated; also used when
Limit State 1 the exclusions of Section 9.2.5 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1] apply.
LS2 / A design condition where the loading is dominated by environmental / 10
Limit State 2 storm loads, e.g. at the 10- or 50-year return period level or, for weather-
restricted operations, where a Metocean Reduction Factor according to
Section 7.3.3 of 0001/ND, Ref [1], is to be applied.
Matched pair of A matched pair of slings is fabricated or designed so that the difference in
slings length does not exceed 0.5d, where d is the nominal diameter of the sling
or grommet. See Section 2.2 of IMCA, Ref. [7]
MBL / The minimum allowable value of breaking load for a particular sling,
Minimum Breaking grommet, wire or chain etc.
Load
Mechanical A sling eye termination formed by use of a ferrule that is mechanically
Termination swaged onto the rope. See ISO, Ref. [9] and [10]
Metocean Reduction The maximum ratio of the operational criteria / design criteria to allow for
Factor weather forecasting inaccuracies. See Table 7-3 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1].
MPI / Magnetic A Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) process for detecting surface and slightly
Particle Inspection subsurface discontinuities in ferroelectric materials such as iron
NDT / Ultrasonic scanning, magnetic particle inspection, eddy current inspection
Non Destructive or radiographic imaging or similar. May include visual inspection.
Testing
Net weight The calculated or weighed weight of a structure, with no contingency or
weighing allowance
NTE weight / Sometimes used in projects to define the maximum possible weight of a
Not To Exceed structure, excluding lift rigging.
weight
Operation Duration The planned duration of the operation excluding a contingency period
from the Point of No Return to a condition when the operations /structures
can safely withstand a seasonal design storm (also termed “safe to safe”
duration).
Operational
The Operation Duration, including a contingency period
reference period
Padear A lift point consisting of a central member, which may be of tubular or flat
plate form, with horizontal trunnions round which a sling or grommet may
be passed
Padeye A lift point consisting essentially of a plate, reinforced by cheek plates if
necessary, with a hole through which a shackle may be connected
PLEM Pipe Line End Manifold
PLET Pipe Line End Termination

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Term or Acronym Definition

PNR / The last point in time, or a geographical point along a route, at which an
Point of No Return operation could be aborted and returned to a safe condition
RAO Response Amplitude Operator
Rigging The slings, shackles and other devices including spreaders used to
connect the structure to be lifted to the crane
Rigging Weight The total weight of rigging, including slings, shackles and spreaders,
including contingency.
Rope The unit rope from which a cable laid sling or grommet may be constructed,
made from either 6 or 8 strands around a steel core, as indicated in ISO
Refs. [9] & [10] and IMCA, Ref. [7]
ROV Remote Operated Vehicle
Seafastenings The system used to attach a structure to a barge or vessel for
transportation
Single Laid Sling A cable made up of 6 ropes laid up over a core rope, as shown in ISO,
Ref. [9] and [10], with terminations each end.
SKL / The factor by which the load on any lift point or pair of lift points and rigging
Skew Load Factor is multiplied to account for sling length mis-match in a statically
indeterminate lift
Slamming loads Transient loads on the structure due to wave impact when lifting through
the splash zone.
Sling breaking load The breaking load of a sling, being the calculated breaking load reduced by
termination efficiency factor or bending reduction factor as appropriate.
Sling eye A loop at each end of a sling, either formed by a splice or mechanical
termination
Splice That length of sling where the rope is connected back into itself by tucking
the tails of the unit ropes back through the main body of the rope, after
forming the sling eye
Spreader bar (frame) A spreader bar or frame is a structure designed to resist the compression
forces induced by angled slings, by altering the line of action of the force on
a lift point into a vertical plane. The structure shall also resist bending
moments due to geometry and tolerances.
Structure The object to be lifted
Submerged Weight Gross Weight of the Structure minus the weight of displaced water.
Survey Attendance and inspection by a GL Noble Denton representative.
Other surveys which may be required for a marine operation, including
suitability, dimensional, structural, navigational and Class surveys.
Surveyor The GL Noble Denton representative carrying out a survey.
An employee of a contractor or Classification Society performing, for
instance, a suitability, dimensional, structural, navigational or Class survey.
SWL / SWL is a derated value of WLL, following an assessment by a competent
Safe Working Load person of the maximum static load the item can sustain under the
conditions in which the item is being used.

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Term or Acronym Definition

Termination The factor by which the breaking load of a wire or cable is multiplied to take
efficiency factor / account of the reduction of breaking load caused by a splice or mechanical
ET termination.
TMS Tether Management System
Tonnes Metric tonnes of 1,000 kg (approximately 2,204.6 lbs) are used throughout
this document. The necessary conversions must be made for equipment
rated in long tons (2,240 lbs, approximately 1,016 kg) or short tons (2,000
lbs, approximately 907 kg).
Trunnion A lift point consisting of a horizontal tubular cantilever, round which a sling
or grommet may be passed. An upending trunnion is used to rotate a
structure from horizontal to vertical, or vice versa, and the trunnion forms a
bearing round which the sling, grommet or another structure will rotate.
ULC / Ultimate load capacity of a wire sling, grommet, chain, shackle or similar is
Ultimate Load the certified minimum breaking load. The ULC of slings and grommets
Capacity allows for good quality splices.
Ultimate load capacity of a padeye, clench plate, delta plate or similar
structure, is defined as the load which will cause general failure of the
structure or its connection into the barge or other structure.
USBL Ultra Short Baseline array
UT / Detection of flaws or measurement of thickness by the use of ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Testing pulse-waves through steel or some other materials.
Vessel A marine craft designed for the purpose of transportation by sea or
construction activities offshore. See Barge
Weather restricted A marine operation which can be completed within the limits of an
operation operational reference period with a favourable weather forecast (generally
less than 72 hours), taking contingencies into account.
The design environmental condition need not reflect the statistical
extremes for the area and season.
A suitable factor should be applied between the operational weather limits
and the design weather conditions (see Section 7.3.3 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1])
Weather unrestricted An operation with an operational reference period greater than the reliable
operation limits of a favourable weather forecast (generally less than 72 hours). The
design weather conditions must reflect the statistical extremes for the area
and season.
The design weather is typically a 10 year seasonal storm, but subject to
Section 7.2.2 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1].
WLL / The maximum force which a product is authorized to sustain in general
Working Load Limit service when the rigging and connection arrangements are in accordance
with the design. See SWL.
WSD Working Stress Design (effectively the same as ASD)

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4 THE APPROVAL PROCESS

4.1 GL NOBLE DENTON APPROVAL
4.1.1 Further information on the approval process appears in Section 4 of Ref. [1] (0001/ND “General
Guidelines for Marine Projects”).
4.1.2 Approval may be given for such operations as:
 Installation of liftable jackets
 Hook-assisted installation of launched jackets 10
 Installation of templates and other sub-sea equipment
 Handling of piles
 Installation of decks, topsides modules, bridges and flare towers/booms
 Load-outs and Load-ins
 Transfer of items between a transport barge and the deck of a crane vessel.

4.1.3 Lifts may be by a variety of crane configurations, including single cranes, two cranes on a single
vessel, two or more cranes on separate vessels, single crane multi-hook sheerleg vessels, cranes
mounted on jack-up vessels, or by one or more land based cranes.
4.1.4 GL Noble Denton approval may be given for the operation, including reviews of marine and
engineering calculations and procedures, and consideration of:
 The actual and forecast weather conditions
 The suitability and readiness of all equipment
 The behaviour of the lifting vessel
 Any site changes in procedures
 The general conduct of the preparations for the operation.

4.1.5 A Certificate of Approval for a lift covers the marine operations involved in the lift only and is issued at
the Point of No Return, at the start of the lifting operation. An offshore lift is normally deemed to start
when cutting of seafastenings starts, after the crane is connected and slings partly tensioned. In 10
exceptional cases procedures may be accepted in which a pre-agreed number of seafastenings are to
be removed before the Point of No Return, as described in Section 9.4 of 0030/ND, Ref. [5]. It is
normally deemed to be completed when the lifted object is set down in its intended position, and the
crane(s) has been disconnected. For completion of lifted load-outs see Section 4.3 of 0013/ND, Ref.
[2].

4.2 SCOPE OF WORK LEADING TO AN APPROVAL

4.2.1 In order to issue Certificates of Approval, GL Noble Denton will typically require to consider, as
applicable, the following topics:
 The strength of the structure to be lifted, including the strength of the lift points.
 The capacity of the crane, taking into account the radius at which the lift will take place, whether
the crane will be fixed or revolving and whether any down-rating is required for operations in the
design seastate.
 The capacity of the crane in the event that multiple hooks are used to suspend /upend a load.
 The rigging arrangement, including slings, shackles and any spreader frames or beams, and
the certification of the rigging components.
 The stability of the crane vessel during the lift, especially in the case of a ballasting malfunction.
 The mooring arrangements for the crane vessel, as outlined in Section 4.3.
 DP audit documentation and FMEA analysis and DP procedures detailing positioning systems
(see Section 13.8 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1].

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 The limiting design weather conditions proposed, and the anticipated behaviour of the crane
vessel in those conditions.
 The arrangements for handling and mooring the transport barge or vessel alongside the crane
vessel.
 The arrangements for cutting seafastenings before lifting.
 The management structure for the operations and Management of Change procedures.
 ROV performance documentation.
 Risk assessments, HAZOP /HAZID studies involving key personnel of all relevant parties.
 Simultaneous Marine Operations (SIMOPS).

4.2.2 The information required in order to issue a Certificate of Approval is listed in Appendix A.
4.2.3 Technical studies leading to the issue of a Certificate of Approval may consist of:
a. Reviews of specifications, procedures and calculations submitted by the client or his
contractors, or
b. Independent analyses carried out by GL Noble Denton to verify the feasibility of the proposals,
or
c. A combination of third party reviews and independent analyses.

4.3 APPROVAL OF MOORINGS

4.3.1 A lift may normally be considered a weather- restricted operation. Limiting weather conditions for the
lift operation shall be defined, taking into account:
 the weather forecast reliability and frequency for the area
 the duration of the operation, including a suitable contingency period
 the exposure of the site
 the time required for any operations before or after the lift operation, including crane vessel and
transport barge movements.
 currents on the lifting vessel/transport barge during the lift.
 currents on the lifted structure during lowering through the water column.

4.3.2 An approval of a lift will normally include the approval of the crane vessel and transport barge
moorings in the limiting design weather conditions specified for the lifting operation. When operating
alongside an offshore installation, procedures should be submitted which show that the crane vessel
and transport barge can and will be removed to a safe distance when the weather conditions exceed a
specified level. An approval of a lift does not include approval of the vessel moorings in extreme
weather conditions.
4.3.3 Similarly, an approval of a lifted load-out will include the approval of the crane vessel and transport
barge moorings at the load-out quay in the limiting design weather conditions specified for load-out. It
does not necessarily include approval of the crane vessel and/or transport barge moorings in extreme
weather conditions. Note that for approval of load-outs, reference should also be made to GL Noble
Denton Report 0013/ND - Guidelines for Load-Outs, Ref. [2].
4.3.4 Additionally, and if specifically requested, GL Noble Denton will study and issue an approval of the
moorings of the crane vessel or the transport barge, for a more extended period.

4.4 LIMITATION OF APPROVAL

4.4.1 See Section 4.5 of General Guidelines 0001/ND, Ref. [1].

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4.5 SURVEYS
4.5.1 Where GL Noble Denton approval is required the surveys shown in Table 4-1 will usually be needed:
Table 4-1 Typically Required Surveys
Survey Time Place

Sighting of inspection / test certificates or

release notes for spreader bars, lift points and
attachments GL Noble Denton /
Before departure of client's office and / or
Sighting of certificates and inspection reports for structure from shore fabrication yard
slings and shackles. Inspection of rigging and and before offshore lift
laydown and rigging tie-down / seafastening (if after a lifted load-out)
Inspection of securing of loose items inside
Fabrication yard
module
Inspection of Survey & Positioning equipment on Before departure and Fabrication yard and
structure and on seabed start of marine lift site
operations
Suitability survey of crane / installation vessel, if
As available
required
Crane / installation vessel mooring activities Before start of marine
operations
Crane / installation vessel in field DP trials
At lift site

Inspection of preparations for lift and issue of Immediately before

Certificate of Approval cutting seafastening

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5 LOAD AND SAFETY FACTORS

5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.1.1 For any lift, the calculations carried out shall include allowances, safety factors, loads and load effects
as described in these guidelines.
5.1.2 The various factors and their application are illustrated in Figure 5.1. This flowchart is for guidance
only, and is not intended to cover every case. In case of any conflict between the flowchart and the
text, the text shall govern. Figures in parentheses relate to sections in these guidelines.
5.1.3 Use of other recognised offshore codes of practice relating to lift engineering can also be considered,
but care should be taken since not all other codes are exhaustive in determining the actual behaviour
of lifting systems.

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Figure 5-1 Lift Calculation Flowchart

OBTAIN
 Crane data
 Lift arrangement
 Number of cranes & hooks
 Structure Net or weighed weight
 Lift point geometry
 CoG location & envelope
 In air or submerged lift
 Barge ballast data

Apply weight contingency factor [5.2]

Calculate lift point & sling loads [5.5] & [5.6]

10
DETERMINE LIFT FACTORS
 DAF [5.7]
 SKL factor [5.8]
 Tilt factor (2-hook lift) [5.9]
 Yaw factor (2-hook lift) [5.9]
 CoG shift factor (2 hook lift) [5.9]
 Minimum Sling /Tilt angle [5.4]

CALCULATE STATIC and Check hook load with

DYNAMIC HOOK LOADS [5.3] crane capacity (static &
dynamic) at the given
radius [6.1] & [6.2]
DETERMINE LATERAL
LIFT POINT LOAD [8.8]
APPLY CONSEQUENCE
FACTORS FOR SPREADER
BAR & LIFT POINT DESIGN
CHECKS [5.16]
DEFINE SLING / GROMMET
CRBL OR CGBL & SHACKLE REVIEW
WLL REQUIRED [5.10 to 5.15]  Installation clearances
VERIFY GLOBAL above & below waterline [9]
STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF  Bumper & guide design &
THE LIFTED STRUCTURE [7] geometry [10]

IDENTIFY / REPORT
RIGGING UTILISATION
VERIFY LIFT POINT AND FACTORS & RIGGING
SPREADER BAR DESIGN [7] GEOMETRY

LIFT POINT &

SPREADER BAR OK RIGGING OK CRANE OK

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5.2 WEIGHT CONTINGENCY FACTORS

5.2.1 Weight control requirements are given in Section 8 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1] which in turn references the
ISO Standard 19901-5:2003, Ref. [8].
5.2.2 For Class A structure lifts (as defined by ISO Standard, Ref. [8]), the minimum weight contingency 10
factor shall be 1.03 applied to the Net Weight for rigging and lift point design.
5.2.3 For Class B and C structure lifts (as defined by ISO Standard, Ref. [8]), the minimum weight
contingency factor shall be 1.10 applied to the Net Weight for rigging and lift point design.
5.2.4 Except for piles, a weight contingency factor of not less than 1.03 shall generally be applied to the final
weighed weight. This may be reduced if a Certificate is produced from a Competent Body stating, for
the specific case in question, that the weighing accuracy is better than 3%.
5.2.5 The weight and CoG contingency factors for piles shall be determined considering the pile length and
plate thickness tolerances.

5.3 HOOK LOADS

5.3.1 Loads in lift rigging and the total loading on the crane hook(s) should be based on hook loads defined
as below, where:
Static Hook load = (Gross Weight or NTE weight) + (Rigging Weight)
Dynamic Hook load = Static Hook load x DAF
5.3.2 Rigging weight includes all items between the lift points and the crane hook, including slings, shackles
and spreader bars or frames as appropriate.
5.3.3 For twin hook lifts whether cranes are on the same vessel, or multiple vessels, or the structure is
suspended from two hooks on the same crane on the same vessel, the factors as described in Section
5.9 shall be used to derive individual hook loads.

5.4 MODULE TILT

5.4.1 The rigging geometry shall normally be configured so that the maximum tilt of the structure does not
exceed 2 degrees. The sling angle should normally be as described in Section 5.6.2.
5.4.2 In special circumstances (e.g. flare booms, flare towers and cantilevered modules) the design angle of
tilt may require to be greater than 2 degrees to permit the effective use of installation aids. These
structures shall be reviewed as special cases.

5.5 LIFT POINT LOADS

5.5.1 The basic vertical lift point load is the load at a lift point, taking into account the structure Gross or NTE
weight proportioned by the geometric distance of the centre of gravity from each of the lift points (if
they are all at the same elevation). The basic lift point load is further increased by the factors as listed
in Figure 5-1 as appropriate for the lifting arrangement under consideration.
10
5.5.2 If the lift points are at different elevations as shown in
Figure 5-2 then sling forces shall be resolved at the Sling IP
sling intersection point, IP, which will be above the hook
(if connected directly to the hook) or, if connected to a α β
shackle /sling system suspended from the hook, the IP
will be above the connection point on the shackle. The
design sling loads should consider a CoG envelope and
the loads in the slings determined by positioning the CoG
extremes of the CoG envelope under the IP and the
sling loads recalculated using the new sling angles α
and β.
Figure 5-2 Resolving Sling Loading

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5.5.3 Where the allowable centre of gravity position is specified as a cruciform or other geometric envelope,
then the most conservative centre of gravity position within the envelope should be taken. Where a
CoG envelope is used, an additional factor of 1.03 should be added, to account for errors in the final
CoG location from the weighing operation.
5.5.4 If a CoG envelope is not used then a CoG inaccuracy factor of 1.10 shall be applied to the weight.
5.5.5 For lift points where double trunnions or double padears are connected to a structure and are
considered as a single lift point when determining loads, such as a double trunnion connected to the
apex chord of a flare, the following effects of tilt and rotation shall be considered in the design of both
structure and slings or grommets.
a. Tilt can cause uneven loading unless there is means to ensure that the load on the two sides of
the trunnion or padear is equalized.
b. Tilt can also cause the rigging to shift along the bearing surface of the trunnion or padear such 10
that increased moment is introduced into the trunnion or padear.
c. As a result of friction, rotation of the sling eye or grommet round the padear or trunnion can
result in significant torque on the padear or trunnion (and unequal loading in the legs of a
grommet or doubled sling).
The use of a “matched pair” of slings or grommets connected to a double trunnion or double padear
should be avoided as they are rarely adequately matched. If they are used, then the slings or
grommets must have identical lengths when measured under the same tension. Where there are
differences in the lengths, the effect of unequal lengths shall be considered in the design.

5.6 SLING LOADS

5.6.1 The sling load is the vertical lift point load resolved by the sling angle to determine the direct (axial)
load in the sling and lift point using the minimum possible sling angle.
5.6.2 The sling angle should not normally be less than 60º to the horizontal although for lifts that are installed
at an angle this may not be the case, e.g. flare booms installed by a single crane, the upper rigging
may be less than 60º.
5.6.3 For lift point design, the rigging weight shall not form part of the lift point load.
5.6.4 For derivation of sling loads where the lift points are at different elevations, refer to Section 5.5.

5.7 DYNAMIC AMPLIFICATION FACTORS

5.7.1 Unless operation-specific calculations show otherwise, for lifts by a single crane in air, the DAF shall
be derived from the following Table.
Table 5-1 Dynamic Amplification Factors (DAF) in Air
DAF
Gross weight, W
Floating Onshore
(tonnes) Offshore
Inshore Moving Static

W ≤ 100 1.30 1.15

100 < W ≤ 500 1.25
1.10
500 < W ≤ 1,000 1.20 1.00
1,000 < W ≤ 2,500 1.15
1.05
2,500 < W ≤ 10,000 1.10

5.7.2 The DAF as indicated in Table 5-1 above shall also apply to the following in air lift combinations of
vessels, cranes and locations:
 For lifts by 2 cranes on the same vessel
 For onshore lifts by 2 or more cranes

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 For lifts by 2 or more hooks on the same crane boom (but see Section 5.7.6 for offshore lifts)
 For inshore lifts, in totally sheltered waters, by 2 or more vessels.

5.7.3 For lifts by cranes on jacked-up crane vessels:

 onto or from floating vessels use the “Offshore” or “Floating Inshore” column, as appropriate
10
 onto fixed structures from its own deck, use the “Floating Inshore” column. If the crane is not
moving horizontally on tracks or wheels, and horizontal motions of the load can be minimised by
suitably located crane tuggers then the ”Static” column may be used.

5.7.4 For onshore lifts, where the crane(s) may move horizontally, the “Moving” column of Table 5-1 shall
apply. The “Static” column shall only apply if there is no crane movement other than lifting or lowering.
5.7.5 For offshore lifts by 2 or more vessels, the DAF shall be found by dynamic analysis.
5.7.6 For offshore lifts by 2 or more hooks on the same crane boom, total load on the crane boom structure
shall be documented, based on Table 5-1 DAF’s increased by 1.10 unless certified crane curves for
this specific application can be provided.
5.7.7 If any part of the lifting operation includes lifting or lowering a structure or spool through water,
analyses shall be submitted, which either:
 Show how the total in-water lifting loads are derived, taking into account weight, buoyancy,
entrained mass, boom-tip velocities and accelerations, inertia and drag forces, or;
 Calculate the dynamic sling and hook loads to document that slack slings do not occur and
provide limiting seastate data for the offshore operation.
 Calculate the local and global stresses in the spool;
 Calculate slamming loads on the structure being lifted.
 The dynamic analysis results for a submerged or partially submerged lift may restrict the
operability of an operation that is subject to the issue of a Certificate of Approval, depending on
the DAF used for rigging and structure design.

5.7.8 As an alternative to the DAF’s in Table 5-1, the DAF may be derived from a suitable calculation or
model test. Where the lift is from or onto a barge or vessel alongside the crane vessel, then the barge
or vessel motions must be taken into account as well as the crane boom-tip motions.

5.8 SKEW LOAD FACTOR (SKL)

5.8.1 Skew load is a load distribution factor based on
 sling length manufacturing tolerances, (see Section 2.2 of IMCA, Ref. [7])
 sling measurement tolerances over measuring pins,
 rigging arrangement and geometry,
 fabrication tolerances for lift points,
 sling elongation,
and should be considered for any rigging arrangement and structure (see Section 7.2) that is not 100%
determinate. A significantly higher SKL factor may be required for new slings used together with
existing slings as one sling may exhibit more elongation than the others.
5.8.2 For indeterminate 4-sling lifts using matched pairs of slings, a Skew Load Factor (SKL) of 1.25 shall be
applied to each diagonally opposite pair of lift points in turn. For unmatched slings the SKL shall be 10
determined from detailed structural analysis.
5.8.3 For determinate lifts the SKL may be taken to be 1.0, provided it can be demonstrated that sling length
errors do not significantly affect the load attitude or lift system geometry. The permitted length
tolerance on matched pairs of slings is defined according to IMCA guidance, Ref. [7].
5.8.4 For a lift system using matched pairs of slings and incorporating:
a. a single spreader bar a SKL of 1.05 is applicable.
b. more than one spreader bar a SKL of 1.10 is applicable.

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Note: for lifts where multiple hooks are used and each hook is connected to a single spreader bar, a
SKL of 1.05 can be used. 10

5.8.5 For multi hook lifts where the hook elevation can be shown to be individually controlled, a lower skew
load factor than stated above may be applicable, subject to evaluation of sling length tolerances,
rigging arrangement and crane operating procedures.
5.8.6 For a single hook lift where four slings of un-equal length are used (i.e. not Matched Pairs), the skew
load factor shall be calculated by the designer (considering sling length tolerances and measured
lengths) and applied to the structure and lift system design accordingly. Where the calculated SKL is
less than 1.25 (as required in Section 5.8.2), an SKL of 1.25 shall be applied.

5.9 2-HOOK LIFT FACTORS

5.9.1 For a 2-hook lift (hooks on one or two cranes on the same vessel) the individual gross weight at each
hook shall be multiplied by the following factors, to account for increased loads due to the tolerances of
the elevation in the crane hooks:
Centre of gravity shift factor = 1.03 重物的重心偏移
Tilt factor = 1.03 索具的角度变化
and if there are 2 slings to each hook, the load to each lift point shall be multiplied by a yaw factor, to
account for tolerances in lift radii of the 2 hooks:
Yaw factor = 1.05 重物在水平面上的旋转
5.9.2 Factors reduced below those defined in Section 5.9.1 may be used, subject to supporting analyses,
limiting seastate criteria and installation procedure steps/controls.
5.9.3 For 2 hook lifts where the crane hooks are located on separate vessels the factors in Section 5.9.1
shall be applied for inshore lifts, and be subject to calculation for offshore lifts.
5.9.4 For multi-hook lifts carried out by shear leg cranes (non-rotating crane), where the hook elevations are
closely synchronised, the factors in Section 5.9.1 can be reduced by 50%. For shear leg type cranes
on one vessel the yaw factor specified in Section 5.9.1 can be reduced to 1.0.

5.10 2-PART SLING FACTOR

5.10.1 Where a 2-part sling or grommet passes over, round or through a shackle, trunnion, padear or crane
hook, other than at a termination, the total sling force shall be distributed into each part in the ratio
45:55 to account for frictional losses over the bend.
5.10.2 Where upending a structure requires the sling or grommet to slide over a trunnion or crane hook
utilising a 2-part sling or grommet, other than at a termination, the total sling force shall be distributed
into each part in the ratio 32.5:67.5 to account for frictional effects as the wire slides over the bend. 10
For this condition, the ratio may be reduced if the lifting contractor can demonstrate through
documented evidence or testing that a lesser value can be adopted.
5.10.3 Where a 2-part sling or grommet passes over a rotating greased sheave on a trunnion the total sling
force shall be distributed into each part in the ratio 49:51 to account for the frictional losses over the
rotating sheave on the trunnion.
5.10.4 Where slings or grommets are used in any more that a 2-part configuration, calculations shall be
submitted for review, and will require special consideration by GL Noble Denton.
5.10.5 When using fibre slings or grommets (i.e. Dyneema, HMPE, Round slings or webbing slings) in a 10
doubled configuration the 2-part sling factor referenced in 5.10.1 shall be used for guidance, but the
specific recommendations of the sling supplier should govern, based on the planned mode of use and
the specifics of the sling type.

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5.11 TERMINATION EFFICIENCY FACTOR

5.11.1 The breaking load of a sling ending in a termination shall be the calculated rope breaking load
multiplied by a factor as follows:
 For hand splices: 0.75
 For resin sockets: 1.00
 Swage fittings, e.g. “Superloop or Flemish Eye”: 1.00
 Steel ferrules (mechanical termination): 0.80
 Fibre rope sling splices (Dyneema, HMPE): 0.90

Other methods of termination (i.e. 9-part slings) will require special consideration.

5.12 BENDING EFFICIENCY FACTOR

5.12.1 Where any wire rope sling or grommet is bent round a shackle, trunnion, padear or crane hook, the
breaking load shall be assumed to be the calculated breaking load multiplied by a bending efficiency
factor in accordance with IMCA guidance, Ref. [7]:
Bending efficiency factor = 1 - 0.5 / (D/d),
where: d = the sling or cable laid rope diameter
D = the minimum diameter over which the sling body, sling eye, or grommet is
bent.
5.12.2 For wire rope slings and grommets, this results in the bending efficiency factors detailed in the
following Table 5-2.
Table 5-2 Bending Efficiency Factors
D/d <1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0

Not
Factor 0.50 0.59 0.65 0.71 0.75 0.78 0.80 0.81
allowable

5.12.3 For fibre rope slings, the bending efficiency may normally be taken as 0.9, provided the bending 10
diameter is not less than the minimum specified by the manufacturer and subject to the specific
recommendations of the sling manufacturer.
5.12.4 It should be noted that termination and bending factors should not be applied simultaneously. The one
which results in the lower value of breaking load will govern, and should be used.
5.12.5 Under no circumstances should the sling or grommet body contact any surface where the diameter is
less than 1.0d to maintain the sling in good condition under load. Bending in way of splices shall be
avoided.
5.12.6 In certain circumstances, it will be necessary to check sling eye bending losses around a shackle or
trunnion, where the D/d ratio is less than 4.0.

5.13 SLING OR GROMMET SAFETY FACTORS

5.13.1 The minimum safety factor on sling or grommet breaking load shall be calculated after:
 resolution of the load based on centre of gravity position and sling angle, and
 consideration of the factors shown in Sections 5.2 to 5.12 as appropriate.

5.13.2 For steel slings and grommets the minimum safety factor shall be not less than 2.25.
5.13.3 For fibre slings and grommets the minimum safety factor shall be not less than that recommended by 10
the manufacturer or 4.0 if greater.
5.13.4 Further safety factors shall be applied to the sling design based on sling usage.

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5.14 SHACKLE SAFETY FACTORS

5.14.1 The shackle WLL should not be less than the static sling load.
5.14.2 In addition to Section 5.14.1 above, the shackle MBL (WLL x safety factor) divided by a safety factor
equal to 3.0 shall not be less than the dynamic sling load (static sling load x DAF). 10
5.14.3 Wide body shackles should not be connected bow-to-bow unless specifically allowed by the
manufacturer.
5.14.4 Where the shackle is at the lower end of the rigging, the weight of the rigging components above the
shackle, (including effects of the DAF and taking account of sling angle) may be deducted from the
shackle load.

5.15 GROMMETS
5.15.1 Grommets require special consideration, to ensure that the rope breaking load and bending efficiency
have been correctly taken into account. It is assumed that grommets are constructed and used in
accordance with IMCA guidance, Ref. [7].
5.15.2 The load in a grommet shall be distributed into each part in the ratio 45:55, as indicated by Section
5.10.
5.15.3 The core of a grommet should be discounted when computing breaking load. The breaking load of a
grommet is determined in accordance with IMCA guidance, Ref. [7].
5.15.4 The bending efficiency factors at each end of a grommet may differ, and the more severe value should
be taken. Bending efficiency is derived as in Section 5.12 where rope diameter is the single part
grommet diameter.
5.15.5 Bending in way of grommet butt and tuck positions shall be avoided. The location of the butt
connection shall be marked.
5.15.6 When selecting a grommet, attention should be paid to the breaking load quoted by the supplier as this
10
is not normally that for a single leg of the grommet but is the total for both legs of the grommet without
bending reductions.

5.16 CONSEQUENCE FACTORS

5.16.1 The following consequence factors shall be further applied to the structure including lift points and the
lateral load effects on lift points, and their attachments into the structure:
Table 5-3 Consequence Factors

Lift points including spreader bars, “strongbacks” and spreader frames 1.30
Attachments of lift points to structure or spool 1.30
Members directly supporting or framing into the lift points 1.15
Other structural members 1.00

5.16.2 The consequence factors shown in Table 5-3 shall be applied based on the calculated lift point loads
after consideration of all the factors shown in Sections 5.2 through 5.10. If a partial load factor design
is used then the consequence factors in Table 5-3 shall also be applied to the partial load factors for
structural design. Consequence factors in Table 5-3 shall also be applied to lift point lateral loads.

5.17 FIBRE ROPE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS

5.17.1 Fibre rope deployment systems may be used for lowering structures to the seabed to reduce weight.
5.17.2 Elasticity and performance of fibre ropes used in a deployment system shall be provided by the
manufacturer and be based on performance tests. The results of these tests shall be included in lift
and lowering analyses.
5.17.3 The system shall be demonstrated to be adequate by load and function testing.
5.17.4 Certification for fibre ropes and the deployment systems shall be issued by an IACS member or other
recognised certification body accepted by GL Noble Denton.

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5.17.5 Some systems/cranes use a combination of wire rope and fibre rope. Where fibre ropes or slings are
attached to wire rope, the installation procedure shall clearly specify how these attachments are made.

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6 THE CRANE AND INSTALLATION VESSEL

6.1 CRANES
6.1.1 If the crane is not certified by an IACS member, then an inspection by a competent person is required
and his report demonstrating conformity shall be submitted.
6.1.2 A risk assessment shall be carried out in the presence of GL Noble Denton for cranes and lifting
devices that are not a normal part of the vessel's equipment.

6.2 HOOK LOAD

6.2.1 The hook load shall be shown not to exceed the certified allowable crane capacity as taken from the
load-radius curves. Crane curves are generally expressed as safe working loads or static capacities,
in which case they should be compared against the dynamic hook load. Information should be
obtained to document this.
6.2.2 The allowable load-radius curves as presented can sometimes include a dynamic effect allowance. If
a suitable statement is received to this effect, then the dynamic hook load derived in Section 5.3 may 10
be compared against the load-radius curves.
6.2.3 Some crane curves specify different allowable load curves for different seastates. These may similarly
be taken to include dynamic effects. A seastate representing the probable limits for the operation
should be chosen, and the static hook load used for comparision.
6.2.4 If the DAF included in the crane curves differs from the operation-specific value derived from
Section 5.7, then the allowable static hook load should be adjusted accordingly but shall not exceed
the certified crane (SWL or WLL) load-radius curve.

6.3 HEAVE COMPENSATION

6.3.1 Where heave compensated or constant tension lifts are planned, then the following information shall
be obtained for the crane or cranes:
 Crane technical description and operating procedures,
 Safe working load radius curves and boom slew angles in heave compensated mode or
constant tension mode plus limiting seastates,
 Crane de-rating curves,
10
 FMEA for the crane system,
 DAF analysis in heave compensated or constant tension modes,
 Engine room/deck mechanics maintenance logs.

6.3.2 Additionally maximum and minimum crane loads for active heave or constant tension compensation
should also be provided. Installation analyses should incorporate effects of heave compensation and
demonstrate improved operability due to its activation.

6.4 INSTALLATION VESSEL

6.4.1 Installation vessels shall be capable of performing their intended functions within the seastates
predicted for the job. The vessel deck layout shall be adequate for the equipment and provide
sufficient clear personnel access ways.
6.4.2 In some cases it is likely that the structure will be loaded at an inshore location. In this case there must
be adequate clearances around the structure when considering lifting operations, vessel movements
and structure movements.
6.4.3 Some or all of the documentation and certificates in Section 6.6 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1] will be required,
depending on the location of the operations and local regulations.

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6.5 DP SYSTEMS (IF APPLICABLE)

6.5.1 A vessel with a minimum DP Class 2 will be required. However DP Class 3 vessels should be used in
operations where the consequences of a loss of position are considered to have a reasonable potential
to result in death, substantial structural damage or significant environmental pollution. See Section
13.2 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1] for more details 10
6.5.2 DP operating and positioning procedures (as applicable) should be documented and include station
keeping analyses/rosettes, Vessel DP system FMEA & Annual Trials Reports etc as required in
Section 13.8 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1].
6.5.3 For all lifts a minimum of 3 independent reference systems shall be provided.

6.6 MOORING SYSTEMS (IF APPLICABLE)

6.6.1 The mooring arrangement for the operation and stand-off position shall be documented. This should
include the lengths and specifications of all mooring wires and anchors, and a mooring plan showing
adequate horizontal clearances on all platforms, pipelines and any other seabed obstructions. An
elevation of the catenary for each mooring line, for upper and lower tension limits, shall demonstrate
adequate vertical clearance over pipelines and horizontal clearance to fixed installations and the
structure being lifted.
6.6.2 Anchor plans shall indicate the anchor position and the anchor line touch down point at the most likely
working tensions. All subsea infrastructures and pipelines shall be shown together with exclusion 10
zones. Anchor clearances to subsea assets shall be in accordance with see 0032/ND, Ref. [6].
6.6.3 Mooring analyses shall be submitted based on 0032/ND, Ref. [6], with calculations showing the anchor
holding capacities for the soils expected, based on the site geotechnical data.
6.6.4 The mooring analysis shall also provide the limiting seastate for the installation vessel in the working
position, including the transient motion due to a failed mooring line scenario.

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7 STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
7.1 CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS
7.1.1 For analysis of the structure to be lifted and the lift points, a recognised and applicable offshore
structural design code shall be used as described in Section 7.6.
7.1.2 Adequate specifications for material properties, construction, welding, casting, inspection and testing
shall be used.

7.2 LOAD CASES AND STRUCTURAL MODELLING

7.2.1 Structural calculations, based on the load factors discussed above, shall include adequate loadcases
to justify the structure. For example, for an indeterminate, 4-point lift the following loadcases should
normally be considered:
a. Base case, using gross or NTE weight, resolved to the lift points, but with no skew load factor.
b. Gross or NTE weight, with skew load factor applied to one diagonal.
c. Gross or NTE weight, with skew load factor applied to the other diagonal.

7.2.2 In all cases the loading shall be applied at the correct or minimum sling angle and point of action,
accounting for any offset. The effects of torsional loading imposed by the slings shall be considered.

7.3 STRUCTURE
7.3.1 The overall structure shall be analysed for the loadings shown in Section 7.2.
7.3.2 The primary supporting members shall be analysed using the most severe loading resulting from
Section 7.1, with a consequence factor applied (see Section 5.16).

7.4 LIFT POINTS

7.4.1 An analysis of the lift points and attachments to the structure shall be performed, using the most
severe load resulting from Section 7.2 and all the factors as appropriate from Section 5.
7.4.2 Where the lift point forms an integral part of the structural node, then the lift point calculations shall
also include the effects of loads imposed by the members framing into the lift point.
7.4.3 Where tugger lines are attached to lift points their effect shall be considered in the lift point design.

7.5 SPREADER BARS, FRAMES & OTHER STRUCTURAL ITEMS OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT
7.5.1 Spreader bars, frames and other structural items of lifting equipment, if used, should be similarly
treated, with loadcases as above. A consequence factor shall be applied to spreader bars and frames,
in accordance with Section 5.16.
7.5.2 Where a spreader bar, frame or other structural item of lifting equipment is certified, the certified
capacity may be increased by any DAF that is has been taken into account in the certified capacity 10
before being compared against the dynamic loading enhanced by the applicable consequence factor
from Section 5.16.

7.6 ALLOWABLE STRESSES

7.6.1 The primary structure shall be of high quality structural steelwork with full material certification and
NDT inspection certificates showing appropriate levels of inspection. It shall be assessed using the
methodology of a recognised and applicable offshore code including the associated load and
resistance factors for LRFD codes or safety factors for ASD/WSD codes. Further details appear in
Section 9.1 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1]. 10
7.6.2 Except for sacrificial bumpers and guides, the loading shall be treated as an LS1 limit state.

7.7 INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS

7.7.1 Alternatively, GL Noble Denton will, if instructed, perform an independent analysis of the structure to
be lifted, including the lift points, on receipt of the necessary information.

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8 LIFT POINT DESIGN

8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.1.1 In addition to the structural requirements shown in Sections 5 and 7, the following should be taken into
account in the lift point design.

8.2 SLING OVALISATION

8.2.1 Adequate clearance is required between cheek plates, shackle pins or inside trunnion keeper plates, to
allow for sling ovalisation under load. In general, the width available for the sling shall be not less than
(1.25 x d + 25mm), where d is nominal sling diameter in mm. However, the practical aspects of the
rigging and de-rigging operations may demand a greater clearance than this. The design of any lift
point should account for the most onerous possible position of the sling on the lift point.
8.2.2 The bearing surface of cast padears in contact with the sling shall preferably be elliptical (rather than
circular) in cross-sections orthogonal to the local sling axis, see Figure 8-1. This is to allow for the
flattening/ovalisation of the sling cross-section
which occurs when the sling is bent and under
tension which allows more of the wire strands to
work. It is not possible to generalise on 10
dimensions for this purpose, as each sling
would deform by a different amount, depending
on the load that it is required to take. The sling
arrangement should therefore be closely
examined at an early stage in order to
determine the amount of deformation which will
need to be allowed for in the padear design.
Figure 8-1 Indicative shaping of padear bearing surface

8.3 PLATE ROLLING AND LOADING DIRECTION

8.3.1 For fabricated lift points the direction of loading should generally be in line with the plate rolling
direction. Lift point drawings should show the rolling direction.
8.3.2 Through-thickness loading of lift points and their attachments to the structure should be avoided if
possible. If such loading cannot be avoided, the material used shall be documented to be free of
laminations, with a recognised through-thickness designation.

8.4 PIN HOLES

8.4.1 Pin-holes should be bored /reamed, and should be designed to suit the shackle proposed. The pin
hole diameter shall be 2 mm or 3% larger than the diameter of the shackle pin, whichever is the
greater, up to a maximum of 6 mm.

8.5 CAST PADEARS AND WELDED TRUNNIONS

8.5.1 Cast padears and trunnions shall be designed taking into account the following aspects:
 The geometrical considerations as indicated in Section 8.2.
 The stress analysis and finite element design process (modelling and load application).
 Load paths, trunnion geometry and space and support for slings and grommets.
 The manufacturing process and quality control.
 Sling keeper plates shall be incorporated into the padear/trunnions design to prevent the loss of
slings or grommets during load application and lifting. These devices shall be proportioned to
allow easy rigging and de-rigging whilst being capable of supporting the weight of the sling
section during transportation.

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8.6 INSPECTION OF LIFT POINTS

8.6.1 All lift points shall be inspected prior to any lifting operation. For the first lift, the level of inspection for
welds which form part of the load transfer system in the lift point shall be:
a. 100% visual for all welds, and
b. 100% MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection) for all fillet welds, partial penetration welds and butt
welds, and
c. 100% UT (Ultrasonic Testing) for all butt welds.
8.6.2 For subsequent lifting operations using the same lift points, a visual inspection will be adequate
provided that:
a. The visual inspection shows no damage to the lift point material and welding
b. The rigging system is similar to that used for previous lifts and that the lift points have been
designed for that rigging system
c. No excessive or uncontrolled loading has, or suspected to have, occurred during the preceding
lifts 10
d. All design utilisations for primary load transfer in the lift points are less than 0.8.
8.6.3 Where the visual inspection shows that damage has occurred, appropriate repairs are to be taken
which shall be subject to the 100% visual, MPI and UT requirements given in Section 8.6.1.
8.6.4 Where excessive or uncontrolled loading has occurred, and member /weld utilisations are less than
0.8, all primary welds are to be inspected with 100% visual and 50% MPI with butt welds also tested
with 50% UT.
8.6.5 Where excessive or uncontrolled loading has occurred, and member /weld utilisations are greater than
0.8, all primary welds are to be inspected with 100% visual and 100% MPI with butt welds also tested
with 100% UT.
8.6.6 Where the rigging system used is different to the design rigging system, all primary welds are to be
inspected with 100% visual and 100%MPI with butt welds also tested with 100%UT.
8.6.7 For lift points with utilisations of primary load transfer members /welds greater than 0.8, the level of
inspection shall be a minimum of 100% visual, 20%MPI with butt welds also tested with 20%UT.
8.6.8 The extent of NDT shall be submitted for review.

8.7 CHEEK PLATES

8.7.1 Individual cheek plate thicknesses should not exceed 50% of the main plate thickness to maintain the
primacy of the main plate in load transfer to the structure, and to provide robustness to lateral loads.
8.7.2 Non-load bearing spacer plates may be used to centralise shackle pins, by effectively increasing the
padeye thickness. The diameter of the internal hole in such spacer plates shall be greater than the pin
hole diameter. Spacer plates, if used, shall provide a 20-30 mm clearance to the inside width of the
shackle (i.e. 10 to 15 mm each side).
8.7.3 Cheek plate welds shall be proportioned and designed with due regard to possible uneven bearing
across the padeye/cheek plate thickness due to combined nominal (5%) and actual lateral loads.

8.8 LATERAL LIFT POINT LOAD

8.8.1 Provided the lift-point is correctly orientated with the sling direction, then a horizontal force equal to 5%
of the resolved lift point load shall be applied, acting through the centreline and along the axis of the
10
padeye pin-hole or trunnion /padear geometric centre.
8.8.2 If the lift point is not correctly orientated with the sling direction, then the computed forces acting
transverse to the major lift point axis of the pin-hole or trunnion /padear geometric centre shall be
added to the lateral lift point load as defined in Section 8.8.1. The effective length of the hook prongs
shall be considered when finding the intersection point of the slings above the hook prongs.

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9 CLEARANCES
9.1 INTRODUCTION
9.1.1 The required clearances will depend on the nature of the lift, the proposed limiting weather conditions,
the arrangement of bumpers and guides and the size and motion characteristics of the crane vessel
and the transport barge.
9.1.2 Subject to the above, for offshore lifts, the following clearances should normally be maintained at each
stage of the operation. Smaller clearances may be acceptable for inshore or onshore lifts. Clearances
are based on a level lift (no tilt) of each structure. Additional clearances may be required for structures
with a prescribed tilt.

9.2 CLEARANCES AROUND LIFTED OBJECT (FLOATING CRANE)

9.2.1 3 metres between any part of the lifted object (including spreaders and lift points) and the crane boom,
when the load is suspended.
9.2.2 3 metres vertical clearance between the underside of the lifted object and any other previously
installed structure, except in the immediate vicinity of the proposed landing area or installation aid
where 1.5m clearance shall be adequate.
9.2.3 5 metres between the lifted object and other structures on the same transport barge unless bumpers
and guides are used for lift-off.
9.2.4 3 metres horizontal clearance between the lifted object and any other previously installed structure,
unless purpose-built guides or bumpers are fitted.
9.2.5 3 metres remaining travel between travelling block and fixed block at the maximum required load 10
elevation with the lift vessel at LAT. “Remaining travel” excludes any travel prevented by system limits
that cannot be over-ridden for this operation/
9.2.6 Where a structure is securely engaged within a bumper/guide or pin/bucket system, clearance
between the extremities of the structure and the host structure must be demonstrated to be positive,
considering the worst possible combinations of tilt. This may require dimensional control surveys to be
carried out on the host structure and the structure to be installed.
9.2.7 Lift arrangement drawings shall clearly show all clearances as defined above.
9.2.8 Clearances for lifts by floating crane vessels onto floating structures (e.g. spars, FPSO’s) will need
special consideration. It is expected that the clearances for this case will need to be larger than those
stated above. The design clearances will be dependent on the relative motions of the floating structure
and the lifting vessel and should be agreed with GL Noble Denton.
9.2.9 Consideration should be given when lifting and overboarding structures over, or in the vicinity of, a
subsea asset to provide sufficient horizontal clearance for dropped objects.
9.2.10 Clearances less than those stated above may be acceptable, but require special consideration and can
result in reduced allowable metocean conditions for the lifting operation.

9.3 CLEARANCES AROUND LIFTED OBJECT (JACKED-UP CRANE)

10
9.3.1 The clearances in Section 9.2 above may be reduced to 1 metre for lifts to and from the jack-up deck
(when elevated) and fixed structures provided that either suitable bumpers and guides or a very
reliable manoeuvring system using tuggers or similar and an experienced crew are used. If bumpers
and guides are used then the lifted object must be robust enough to withstand the likely loads from
such aids without damage.

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9.4 CLEARANCES AROUND CRANE VESSEL

9.4.1 Where the crane vessel is moored adjacent to an existing fixed platform with the mooring system intact
the following clearances apply:
 3m between any part of the crane vessel/crane and the fixed platform or lifted structure;
 5m between any part of the crane vessel hull extremity and the sumberged parts of the fixed
platform or the submerged lift;
 10 m between any anchor line and the fixed platform.

9.4.2 Where the crane vessel is dynamically positioned in accordance with DP Class 2 or 3, a 10 m nominal
clearance between any part of the crane vessel and the fixed platform shall be maintained. This may
be reduced in some cases to 5 m as described in Section 13.6 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1].
9.4.3 There should be a minimum underkeel clearance of 3m between crane vessel (including thrusters) 10
and seabed, for an offshore lift after taking account of tidal conditions, vessel motions, increased draft
and changes in heel or trim during the lift. Lesser clearance for operations in sheltered waters may be
agreed with GL Noble Denton, depending on the seabed and environmental conditions, but should not
be less than 1m.
9.4.4 Clearances around the crane vessel either moored or dynamically positioned and any floating platform,
FPSO, drilling rig or submersible, shall be determined as special cases based on the station keeping
analysis of the floating structure and the lifting vessel. Positioning equipment and procedures shall be
defined to maintain the minimum clearances required for each specific operation. The procedures
should minimise the durations for which these are required.

9.5 CLEARANCES AROUND MOORING LINES AND ANCHORS

9.5.1 The required clearances around mooring lines and anchors are given in Section 11 of 0032/ND
“Guidelines for Moorings”, Ref. [6]
9.5.2 Clearances should take into account the possible working and stand-off positions of the crane vessel.
9.5.3 During lifting operations, crossed mooring situations should be avoided wherever practical. Where 10
crossed moorings cannot be avoided, the separation between active catenaries should be no less than
30 metres in water depths exceeding 100 metres, and 30% of water depth in water depths less than
100 metres.
9.5.4 If any of the clearances specified above are impractical because of the mooring configuration or
seabed layout, a risk assessment shall be carried out and special precautions taken as necessary.

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10 BUMPERS AND GUIDES

10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.1.1 For module installation the arrangement and design philosophy for bumpers and guides shall be
submitted, where applicable. In general, bumpers and guides should be designed in accordance with
this Section taking into account of their use, configuration and geometry.

10.2 MODULE MOVEMENT

10.2.1 The maximum module movement relative to the target structure during installation should be defined.
In general the relative motions should be limited to:
 Vertical movement: + 0.75 m
 Horizontal movement: + 1.50 m
 Longitudinal tilt: 2 degrees
 Transverse tilt: 2 degrees
 Plan rotation: 3 degrees.

10.2.2 The plan rotation limit is only applicable prior to engagement on the bumper/guide or pin/bucket
system, and when the module is close to its final position or adjacent to another structure on a cargo
barge.
10.2.3 Special consideration and agreement of relative motions with GL Noble Denton is required for cases 10
where a module is being placed onto a floating target structure, as the motions of the target structure
need to be considered.

10.3 POSITION OF BUMPERS AND GUIDES

10.3.1 The position of bumpers and guides shall be determined taking into account acceptable support points
on the module.
10.3.2 Dimensional control reports for the as-built bumper and guide system shall be reviewed to ensure fit up
offshore.
10.3.3 Nominal clearances between bumpers/guides and pins/buckets shall be +/-25mm to account for
fabrication and installation tolerances. These may be reduced based on trial fits and/or a stringent
dimensional control regime.

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10.4 BUMPER AND GUIDE FORCES

10.4.1 For offshore lifts, bumpers and guides should be designed to the following forces (where W = static
hook load) unless dynamic analyses are performed to justify alternative values:
Table 10-1 Default Bumper & Guide Forces (Offshore)

Fixed Floating Own

Lifting onto:
platform unit deck
Vertical sliding bumpers
Horizontal force in plane of bumper: 0.10 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Horizontal (friction) force, out of plane of bumper: 0.05 x W 0.10 x W 0.025 x W
Vertical (friction) force: 0.01 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Forces in all 3 directions shall be combined to establish the worst design case
Pin/bucket guides
Horizontal force on cone/end of pin 0.05 x W 0.10 x W 0.025 x W
Vertical force on cone/end of pin: 0.10 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Horizontal force in any direction shall be combined with the vertical force to establish the worst
design case.
Horizontal “cow-horn” type bumpers with vertical guide
Horizontal force in any direction: 0.10 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Vertical (friction) force: 0.01 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Horizontal force in any direction shall be combined with the vertical force to establish the worst
design case.
Vertical “cow-horn” type guide with horizontal bumper
Horizontal force in any direction: 0.10 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Vertical force on inclined guide-face: 0.10 x W 0.20 x W 0.05 x W
Horizontal force in any direction shall be combined with the vertical force to establish the worst
design case.

10.4.2 For inshore lifts under controlled conditions, bumpers and guides may be designed to 50% of the
forces shown in Table 10-1.
10.4.3 Bumpers and guides that are deemed to arrest secondary forces (after the primary bumper and guide
system has arrested the primary impact forces) may be designed to 50% of the forces shown in Table
10-1.
10.4.4 Lower bumper and guide forces may be agreed with GL Noble Denton for decommissioning structures
when local damage may be acceptable.

10.5 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

10.5.1 The connection into the module, and the members framing the bumper or guide location, should be at
least as strong as the bumper or guide.
10.5.2 The stiffness of bumper and guide members should be as low as possible, in order that they may
deflect appreciably without yielding.
10.5.3 Design of bumpers and guides should cater for easy sliding motion of the guide in contact with a
bumper. Sloping members should be at an acute angle to the vertical. Ledges and sharp corners
should be avoided in areas of possible contact, and weld beads should be ground flush.

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10.5.4 With reference to Section 7.6, the strength of bumpers and guides that are deemed to be “sacrificial”
may be assessed to the LS2 (environmental load dominated) limit state. The bumper and guide 10
connection to the supporting structure shall be assessed to the LS1 limit state.

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11 INSTALLATION OF SUBSEA EQUIPMENT

11.1 SCOPE
11.1.1 These guidelines are specifically related to the installation of the following items subsea:
 Manifolds, Protection Structures, Templates and Production Equipment, including:
o Xmas trees
o Choke systems
o BOP’s
o Subsea production equipment (multiphase pumps, separators, compressors, etc)
o Control modules
o Guide posts
o Intervention tooling.
o Ancillary equipment e.g. concrete mattresses, PLETs, PLEMs (when not installed as part
of pipelay operations).
 Anchor piles (see Section 11.8 for suction and Section 11.9 for driven piles)
 Jumpers and tie-in spools (see Section 11.10)
 Rigid Pipe Risers (see Section 11.11)
 Storage Tanks (see Section 11.12)
 Tidal & wave generators

11.1.2 The installation of:

 Pipelines, flowlines and risers from a laying vessel, and
 PLETs & PLEMs when being installed as part of the pipeline/ pipe string
is covered by 0029/ND, Guidelines for Submarine Pipeline Installation, Ref. [4]. However, in some
instances, the installation of a PLET at the initiation or termination of the pipelay will be covered by
both guidelines; for example a PLET connected to line pipe but lowered by crane and winch with a
damping system using buoys.

11.2 DESIGN PRINCIPLES

11.2.1 For any installation of subsea equipment, the calculations carried out shall include allowances, safety
factors, load and load effects described in Sections 5 and 11.3.
11.2.2 The following expressions define the forces on the lifting systems:
Total force = Static force ± Hydrodynamic force
Static force = m g - ρ V g
Slam force (splash zone) = 0.5 ρ Cs A vs2
Hydrodynamic force = ∑ slam, buoyancy, drag and inertia
Where:
m = object mass
ρ = density of seawater
g = the acceleration due to gravity
V = the volume of displaced seawater
vs = the velocity of the object
A = the projected area of the object
Cs = the slamming coefficient. Cs may be taken as 3 for smooth cylinders and not less than 5 for
all other objects.

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11.2.3 Rigging shock loads due to the submerged weight being exceeded by the hydrodynamic loads shall be
avoided and where necessary the operational sea state shall be limited to ensure this. As a minimum,
installation analyses should demonstrate that the minimum tension in the rigging is not less than 10%
of its static value.
11.2.4 Lift / lowering analyses shall be carried out using appropriate software in the time domain to derive
limiting seastates and their directions, the forces in the lifting system and the lifted item. Information on
the software is required to evaluate its suitability.
11.2.5 The time domain simulation should be of sufficient duration to guarantee that the results are
independent of the simulation time.
11.2.6 In lift / lowering analyses the calculation of boom tip motions shall be based on the actual vessel RAO
and the corresponding offset of the lifting wire. The crane tip vertical motion shall be expressed as
follows:
Vertical boom tip motion = {Hm2 + [t sin(θr)]2 + [l sin(θp)]2}0.5
Where:
Hm = the heave motion
t = the transverse offset of the lifting wire
θr = the roll motion
l = the longitudinal offset of the lifting wire
θp = the pitch motion

11.2.7 The dynamic amplification factor used for the design of the lifting system should be calculated as
follows:
DAF =FStatic + FHydrodynamic
FStatic

11.2.8 The lift / lowering procedure and associated analyses should:

 highlight the operational steps to avoid/minimise slamming loads / remove likelihood of impact
during splash zone lowering.
 highlight the maximum allowable sea state and environmental conditions (in terms of wave
height, wave period, wind speed and direction ).
 relate the maximum allowable environmental conditions to the maximum allowable tip motion of
deployment system, and provide the maximum allowable tip motion.
When the tip motion is not readily available on the installation vessel the limiting heave, pitch and roll
motion of the vessel shall be given (i.e. the heave, pitch and roll motions yielding the maximum
allowable crane tip motion according to the installation analysis).

11.3 SUBSEA LIFTING REQUIREMENTS (ADDITIONAL TO THOSE IN AIR)

11.3.1 Added Mass. Hydrodynamic loads shall be calculated and take into account the added mass, drag,
entrained water and buoyancy of the structure to be installed. Typically added mass will be considered
for the lift and lowering analysis of a structure off a vessel deck, through the splash zone and water
column and into position on the seabed or the host structure. Limiting sea states shall be defined
based on results of installation analysis.
11.3.2 Calculations shall be undertaken to demonstrate that the total submerged weight of the lift including
rigging is within the operating range of the proposed lifting / lowering system which may include heave
compensation, cranes, winches and/or strand jacks.
11.3.3 The increased rigging loads due to entrained water and added mass shall be calculated and accounted
for in the rigging design. Particular, attention shall be applied where the lifted equipment is light
compared to its rigging. Appropriate steps shall be taken to reduce the likelihood of the lifted
equipment impacting its own rigging or of the rigging becoming slack at any time.
11.3.4 Splash Zone. When lifted equipment goes through the splash zone particular attention shall be paid
to the slamming loads induced by prevailing seastate and/or vessel motion. The crane tip(s) shall be

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arranged in such a position that the tip accelerations are kept to a minimum. Lifting or lowering
through a vessel moon pool will normally increase the allowable seastate for operations. The local
strength of the lifted equipment (including any hatch covers or ancillary equipment) should be checked
for the effects of wave slamming.
11.3.5 Tilt. The weight and CoG of the lifted equipment in air and water shall be included in the weight report
(see Section 5.2). It is possible that the tilt of the lifted equipment is different in air and water. The
designer shall determine whether the attitude of the lifted equipment is critical in either.
11.3.6 Dynamic motion. During the lift off the vessel/barge deck, through the splash zone and lowering
through the upper sections of the water column the lifted equipment should be controlled using tugger
or control lines. Set down loads shall be calculated based on the heave response of the lifted
equipment in the water column, and the set down speeds established to limit impact loads on the
equipment, host structures and/or guidance systems.
11.3.7 Natural frequency. For deep-water installations the natural frequency changes as the lifted
equipment is lowered through the water column. Installation analyses should be undertaken to
determine if there is a possibility of resonance. When resonance is possible the effects shall be
quantified and mitigating measures identified to overcome its effects.
11.3.8 Phasing. For deep-water lowering operations the effects of phasing between the boom tip and the
lifted object shall be investigated by analysis and limiting seastates identified. Special lifting slings,
ropes and devices may be needed to limit these effects.
11.3.9 Mid-water load transfer is possible for any item, but this shall be carried out at a depth so that any
lateral load on a rigging or crane system is minimised.
11.3.10 Dropped objects. Consideration shall be given to the safety of existing equipment and pipelines on
the seabed during overboard lifting operations. Where appropriate, the structure should be lifted
overboard and lowered a safe horizontal distance from any existing subsea equipment and pipelines
and then moved into the final position at a suitable height above the sea bed.

11.4 DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM

11.4.1 The deployment system shall be capable of raising the structure off the vessel deck and over-boarding
through the splash zone and to its final location with sufficient motion control.
11.4.2 The deployment system shall also be capable of a complete reversal in the event of any unforeseen
event taking place.
11.4.3 A dual deployment system, where the structure is lifted off the deck, lowered through the splash zone
to a suitable depth below the sea surface using the crane and then transferred to a deployment winch
for the remaining lowering to the seabed, is acceptable.
11.4.4 The crane shall be certified for its intended function and load-radius curves shall be provided. In
certain cases this may include different vessel roll angles or DAF values.
11.4.5 If a deployment winch is chosen for lowering a structure to the seabed it must satisfy the same
requirements as a crane, in terms of redundancy, FMEA, capacity and DAF.
11.4.6 Load cells on deployment winches shall be calibrated annually against certified load cells and load test
certificates made available to the attending surveyor.

11.5 POSITIONING AND LANDING

11.5.1 It is suggested that the set down speed is limited to a maximum value of 0.5m/sec and impact loads to
no more than 3% of the submerged weight; however the manufacturer's requirements shall be followed
when they are more onerous.
11.5.2 Surface guide-wires can be used to control the position and orientation of the lifted equipment as it is
lowered into position. The guide-wires can either be secured to the installation vessel or be attached
to sub-surface buoyancy elements. Surface buoys can be used but their interference with other down
lines and umbilicals shall be considered in their design, deployment and operation.
11.5.3 Visual (ROV) monitoring of the touchdown of the lifted equipment onto the seabed or the host structure
is required. ROVs can also be used to control position / orientation / landing of light structures subject
to the ROV capacity on location.

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11.5.4 Subsea guide-wires attached to subsea buoyancy can be used in deep water and are connected by
the ROV after over-boarding of the lifted equipment.
11.5.5 Subsea rigging release systems shall be designed so that the crane vessel can quickly be
disconnected from the lifted equipment. There should also be contingency systems in place to re-
connect the rigging if retrieval is required. Hydraulic shackles and ROV release systems shall be
certified and function tested.
11.5.6 The seabed condition should be considered if wet parking is planned. The consideration shall include
bearing capacity and seabed inclination. It is possible that seabed preparation can be needed.

11.6 ROV SYSTEMS

11.6.1 ROV systems and tooling shall be selected based on the environmental conditions that are to be
expected at the worksite during the planned and contingency intervention / observation tasks.
11.6.2 ROV-dependent operations shall be carried out only with vessels equipped with 2 or more ROV’s.
ROV thrust capacity should be 30% more than that required for the current speeds given in the site
specific environmental reports.
11.6.3 ROV tooling shall be provided with sufficient spares and back-up tooling to allow the work to proceed
with minimum delay.
11.6.4 It is recommended that a tether management system (TMS) be used in deepwater sites to ease the
deployment of the ROV to the worksite. The tether shall be of sufficient length to allow the ROV to get
from the TMS to the worksite.
11.6.5 Grab bars to aid ROV positioning for manipulative or observation tasks should be provided where
critical path ROV operations are planned.
11.6.6 Once installed the launch and recovery system (LARS) shall be load tested to a factor of safety of 2.0.

11.7 TESTING
11.7.1 System Integration Testing shall be carried out onshore to prove that the integration of all components
and tooling can be achieved. This may involve the manufacture of mock-ups. If mock-ups are used,
great care shall be taken to ensure that the mock-ups replicate the actual item.
11.7.2 Dry tests and FAT should be carried out for critical and complex systems, the failure of which would
result in significant and un-acceptable schedule delay.
11.7.3 Wet testing shall be considered for the actual ROV system to be used.

11.8 SUCTION PILES & FOUNDATIONS

11.8.1 A dynamic lift lowering analysis shall be carried out to determine the dynamics in the lifting system
under the design installation seastates. The installation analyses should demonstrate that for the
design sea states the integrity of the pile will be maintained for all stages of installation including the
effects of slamming when lowering through the splash zone.
11.8.2 Heading control using subsea or surface guide wires shall be provided where the pile heading is
critical. Pre-installed mooring lines and / or chains can be used to assist in heading control.
11.8.3 A system to monitor the verticality of the suction pile during installation shall be provided. This can be
a visual system such as a calibrated bullseye.
11.8.4 The pile position shall be determined using a calibrated subsea positioning array.
11.8.5 The self-penetration of the suction pile should be estimated prior to the installation operations and
compared to the actual value. This can provide information on the actual soil strength. If a large
variation occurs the pile design should be re-evaluated.
11.8.6 Penetration indicators (“draught” marks) on suction piles shall be used to allow the initial self-
penetration and final penetration of the pile to be determined visually.
11.8.7 On bottom stability of the pile prior to activating suction systems shall be calculated. For this aspect,
short stubby piles are preferable to tall slender suction piles.

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11.8.8 ROV mounted suction pumps should be integrated into the host ROV and have sufficient flow to
evacuate the water from inside the pile without exceeding the limiting differential pressures imposed by
the capacity of the pile. The pump skid flow shall be reversible to allow retrieval of the pile if needed.
11.8.9 Independent pump skids can also be used and in some cases these can also have heading monitoring
systems, altimeters and gyro compasses integrated into their control systems. Pump skid flow shall be
reversible.
11.8.10 Integration testing of the mating flange for the pump skid should be performed prior to deployment.
11.8.11 Pile hydrostatic collapse and piping of external seawater through the soil shall be prevented by
ensuring that the differential pressure between the inside and outside of the pile is kept within limits.
Pump curves shall be provided and used.
11.8.12 Suction piles may have to be transported, over-boarded or lifted offshore from a barge horizontally due
to limitations of the installation vessel, available crane hook height and to limit working at height
offshore to connect the crane hook with installation rigging. In such conditions suction piles need to be
upended before lowering to the seabed.
11.8.13 Lowering a suction pile horizontally through the splash zone can generate additional hydrodynamic
loading due to increased surface area of the pile being presented to wave and current. These
possibilities should be investigated during an installation analysis and adequate mitigating measures
should be put into the operational procedures.
11.8.14 Upending should be performed by the gradual transfer of load from horizontal transfer rigging to
installation rigging at a water depth where there are no possibilities of the suction pile and rigging
system reaching resonance. Analyses should be performed to confirm such possibilities do not exist.
The water depth chosen should be away from the influence of the splash zone to limit hydrodynamic
loads acting on the pile. Once upending is completed the transfer rigging should be slackened and
removed. Installation of the suction pile continues with the pile in a vertical orientation with the heading
of the suction pile ready for landing on the seabed.

11.9 DRIVEN ANCHOR PILES

11.9.1 Unless dynamic effects are shown to be insignificant, a dynamic lift lowering analysis shall be carried
out to determine the dynamics in the lifting system under the design installation seastates. Installation
analyses should be used to demonstrate that for the design seastates the integrity of the pile will be
maintained for all stages of installation including the effects of slamming when lowering through splash
zone.
11.9.2 Subsea pile guide frames should be used to ensure that the anchor pile is driven with the required
verticality, position and heading.
11.9.3 Pile driving loads in the pile guide frame shall be calculated to ensure that the frame has adequate
capacity under all loading conditions including accidental and lateral loads.
11.9.4 A system to monitor the verticality of the anchor pile during driving should be provided. This can be a
visual system such as a calibrated bullseye indicator.
11.9.5 On bottom stability of the guide frame shall be calculated based on the maximum inclination due to the
seabed bathymetry with and without the pile hammer string. The mudmat shall be designed to ensure
stability of the guide-frame and verticality of the anchor pile and pile hammer combination.
11.9.6 Pile driveability analyses shall be provided to ensure that the pile can be driven to the target
penetration with the chosen pile hammer.
11.9.7 The self-penetration of the pile should be estimated prior to the installation operations and compared to
the actual value. This can provide information on the actual soil strength. If a large variation occurs
the pile design should be re-evaluated.

11.10 JUMPERS AND TIE-IN SPOOLS

11.10.1 Subsea jumpers and spools shall be arranged in such a way that they are appropriately supported
during installation. In cases where the spool or jumper is significantly lighter than or buoyant relative to
the supporting spreader bar, consideration should be given to using a “strongback” type spreader bar
(strapped to the spool), as opposed to a “floating” spreader bar.

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11.10.2 A dynamic lift lowering analysis shall be carried out to determine the dynamics in the lifting system
under the design installation seastates. The installation analyses should be used to demonstrate that
in the design seastates the integrity of the structure will be maintained for all stages of installation
including the effects of slamming when lowering through splash zone.
11.10.3 Spreader bars shall be of free flooding design where ever possible. In situations where the submerged
mass of the spreader bar is critical, the design of the spreader bar shall have a factor safety of 1.5
against hydrostatic collapse at its maximum water depth.
11.10.4 The submerged and in-air weight of the spool shall be available from a weight report and include spool
buoyancy.
11.10.5 The submerged and in-air CoG shall be included in weight reports in order that the correct value of tilt
can be determined for installation and set-down.
11.10.6 Indeterminate rigging systems shall be designed accounting for actual sling lengths and the catenary
effects of the rigging component self-weight. Means to adjust the sling lengths or geometry such as
turnbuckles or moveable attachments can be used so that skew effects and loss of individual sling
tension can be minimised.
11.10.7 Lift analyses for statically indeterminate rigging systems shall be carried out in order to quantify the
load in each sling and show that the stress in the spool is within allowable limits. The maximum loaded
sling(s) in the lifting arrangement should be removed in the analysis model to demonstrate that the
rigging arrangement can support the spool without the spool being overloaded. In the absence of this
analysis an SKL=1.75 shall be used for statically indeterminate rigging systems.
11.10.8 Trial lifting of spools and/or jumpers shall be carried out to verify the rigging geometry prior to load-out
in order to:
 obtain the correct tilt angle when the inclination is critical or there is a significant difference
between the in-air and submerged condition
 verify that all slings are in tension for spool lifts.
If the trial lift reveals that a sling is slack, the sling length shall be adjusted and the test lift repeated.
Small movements in the positions of slings on the spool can often be used to even out the loads in the
slings.
11.10.9 All soft slings that are choked around the spool shall be designed in such a way that their release can
be made effectively.
11.10.10 When lifting off the deck of a transportation barge and lowering through the splash zone adequate
clearance (at least 3m) should be maintained between the spool and the installation vessel.

11.11 RIGID PIPE RISER INSTALLATION

11.11.1 This section covers rigid pipe that is to be attached to the exposed parts of a fixed installation resting
on the seabed, e.g. a steel jacket structure, where the riser is installed in one or more sections (or
spools) or, in rare cases, attached to the pipeline.
11.11.2 Riser spools can vary significantly in length and size. Short spools will be accommodated and
seafastened on deck by lashings or weldments and clamps as appropriate. Large spools may have to
be cantilevered or carried on over-side seafastenings welded to the installation vessel or to a transport
barge. Transportation and seafastening of spools over-side of the vessel is covered in 0030/ND,
Ref. [5]. Lifting of all but the shortest spools is covered in Section 11.10.
11.11.3 Spools with a length to diameter ratio of less than 10-15 need not normally be subject to dynamic
analysis for the lift and instead may be designed simply with a DAF of 2.0 on the nominal weight from
the piping and its lifting aids.
11.11.4 Prior to riser spool lifting, riser support clamps will be installed and adjusted to the geometry of the riser
using taut wires or laser geometry to line them up. As the geometry can by quite complex, the
fabricated spool must match the geometry through the clamps within the design tolerance allowed.
The nominal design height from the lowest clamp to the seabed needs to be checked in the field for
consistency with the design tolerance.

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11.11.5 Spools will be lifted into place, secured and clamped in a sequence suited to the platform and the
joining method. Note that codes and standards limit the angular offset and the hi-lo at piping butt
joints. At flanged joints it is not acceptable to attempt to close flanges which are visibly misaligned
either torsionally, radially or subtending an angle between their axes.
11.11.6 Spool(s) from the lowest clamp to the seabed touchdown, and onward to the joint with the pipeline, are
normally designed to flex elastically to accommodate platform settlement and pipeline expansion.
Consequently, it is also important that these fit in accordance with the design dimensions and
tolerances.
11.11.7 Lift rigging and lifting aids should normally comply with the requirements of Sections 5 and 11.3.
Lifting points should not be welded directly to the pipe. Note that for long spools there may be a need
to upend sections to assemble the spool in the field. The lifting design should cover all phases of the
spool lifting and fabrication operations.
11.11.8 The tail of the riser and the pipeline will be moved into alignment for connection. Usually this entails
lateral movement of the seabed pipeline on H-frames in controlled steps. If welded, the tail of the riser
and the end of the pipeline will be lifted to welding height in a habitat or cofferdam. If flanged, the tail
of the riser will be raised a little off the seabed, often on airbags or on an H-frame, to allow access to
the flange for connection and tightening. All pipeline and riser movements should be analysed for load
and stress to confirm equipment loadings and that pipe stresses are acceptable and to optimise the
locations of H-frames, etc, for pipe level and angle at the connection.
11.11.9 Once connected, if flanged and already hydrotested, the line will be leak tested; otherwise it will be
NDT tested and hydrotested. In some particular circumstances a so called “Golden Weld” will be
permitted which is not required to be strength tested by hydrotest. Codes and Regulators normally
only permit this where the hydrotest would expose other parts of the system which cannot be isolated
to unacceptably large stresses or it is not practical to flood and test the pipeline to achieve a hydrotest.
In lieu of hydrotesting, stringent additional NDT is required.
11.11.10 Leak tests are normally required at or above 1.1 times MAOP (Maximum Allowable Operating
Pressure) for 4 hours, whereas hydrotest is normally for 24 hours at or above 1.5 times pipeline design
pressure. The test specification should govern and define the acceptance criteria for any unaccounted
pressure loss.

11.12 SUBSEA STORAGE TANKS

11.12.1 Requirements for towage or transportation to the installation site are covered in 0030/ND, Ref. [5].
11.12.2 Any major compartment, whose buoyancy is required for intact or damaged stability, shall be
pressurised to a minimum of 0.34 bar (5 psi). Compartment pressures shall be monitored for a period
of three days prior to sailaway, immediately prior to sailaway and immediately upon arrival at the
installation site. The method of monitoring the pressures shall be stated.
11.12.3 Careful attention should be given to the design of the primary and secondary flooding and venting
systems to minimise the risk of premature flooding of the main and trimming tanks. The damage cases
considered shall include the effects of any valve failing to open or close (or stay open or closed) at any
relevant stage.
11.12.4 A dynamic lift analysis shall be carried out to identify the limiting seastates for lowering and hence
establish the associated DAFs (Dynamic Amplification Factors).
11.12.5 Ideally the lowering system should be reversible though this may not be feasible for deballasting
through the splash zone. The system should be designed to allow the storage tank to be repositioned
on the seabed if the initial position is out of tolerance.
11.12.6 The floating stability and reserve buoyancy of the storage tank shall be analysed for the floating
phases and from submergence through the splash zone to landing on the seabed. The effects of any
cranes, winches, floating buoys and/or heave compensation systems used to control the descent
should be considered in the analyses. The effects of the loss of any one lowering line or flooding of
any one compartment at any stage shall be determined. If any such loss or flooding would lead to loss
of the tank then suitable mitigation plans should be presented to GL Noble Denton for approval and be
the subject of risk assessments to show that the risks are acceptable.

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11.12.7 Tug movements shall be given careful consideration to reduce the probability of tank damage during
tow or operations afloat.
11.12.8 Initial ballasting of the storage tank will typically be carried out with the tank held in position by tugs
about 50 to 100m away from the installation vessel. This distance selected should be sufficient to
avoid contact but close enough for monitoring.

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12 OPERATIONS AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

12.1 ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND DOCUMENTATION
12.1.1 See Section 6 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1] for information on Organisation, Planning and Documentation.
12.1.2 Risk assessments and HAZOP/HAZID studies shall be carried out by the Contractor in the presence of
the Client, GL Noble Denton and actual Contractor’s operational personnel. These studies shall be
completed at an early stage so that the findings can be incorporated into the operational procedures.
12.1.3 Operating manuals shall be prepared and agreed by all relevant parties in advance and include:
 management and communication systems including organograms and roles and responsibilities
 relevant drawings, specifications and calculations
 operating procedures including arrangements for weather forecasting, control, manoeuvring and
mooring of barges and/or other craft alongside the crane vessel
 contingency procedures and emergency plans
 other items covered in Sections 5 and 6 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1]

12.2 SAFETY
12.2.1 See Section 5 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1] for information on Health, Safety and Environment.

12.3 WEATHER-RESTRICTED OPERATIONS AND WEATHER FORECASTS

12.3.1 Section 7.3 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1], “General Guidelines for Marine Projects” applies for all weather-
restricted operations.
12.3.2 Section 7.4 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1], “General Guidelines for Marine Projects” applies to weather
forecasts.
12.3.3 In field monitoring of waves (height, direction and period) should be considered to enhance the
forecasts for each specific lift operation where a Certificate of Approval is required.
12.3.4 In field monitoring of currents (speed and direction) for subsea lifts in areas where it is known that high
currents exist in the water column should be considered to enhance the forecasts where a Certificate
of Approval is required.

12.4 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CRITERIA

12.4.1 Section 7.2 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1], “General Guidelines for Marine Projects” applies to metocean criteria.
12.4.2 Seasonal current speeds with water depth variations (part from in shallow water), wave and wind data
shall be provided for the field location, in the form of monthly or seasonal scatter diagrams. 10
12.4.3 The design conditions for installation shall be agreed with GL Noble Denton at as early a stage as
possible.

12.5 SURVEY AND POSITIONING

12.5.1 A geophysical and geotechnical survey of sufficient resolution shall be carried out during the detailed
design phase to determine the nature and the bathymetry of the seabed. This is to include soil
characteristics and stability if required.
12.5.2 Comprehensive pre-installation site survey reports shall be issued (local structures, seabed
bathymetry, obstacles, pipelines etc.).
12.5.3 Surface positioning for installation shall be achieved using a calibrated GPS or DGPS system. There
shall be back-up reference systems available in the event that the primary reference system fails.
12.5.4 If a structure has to be positioned subsea in a location where there is no seabed infrastructure, a pre-
calibrated LBL or USBL array may be required. Transponders shall be deployed and surveyed in on
the installed structure so that it interfaces with the array in terms of position and heading. Survey /
structure acoustic systems shall be designed and documented such that conflicts with DP References,
ROV transponders and divers are avoided.

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12.6 VESSEL MOTIONS

12.6.1 Crane vessel motions should be monitored in the period prior to the lift to confirm that the dynamic
behaviour is acceptable taking into account:
 The weight and size of the lifted object,
 The clearances for lifting off the transport barge,
 The hoisting speed,
10
 The clearances for installation and
 The installation tolerances.

12.6.2 Transport barge motions should be similarly monitored prior to the start of the lift. The change in
attitude of the transport barge when the weight is removed should be taken into account.
12.6.3 When setting down on a floating structure, the set down procedure shall show how the lifted load will
affect the draft and trim of the floating structure. The allowable range of lowering speeds shall be
determined to avoid snatch loads, lift off or excessive motions of the floating structure.

12.7 SAFE ACCESS

12.7.1 Adequate and safe access and working platforms should be provided for connection of slings,
particularly where connection or disconnection is required offshore or underwater.

12.8 LOOSE EQUIPMENT

12.8.1 All loose equipment, machinery, pipework and scaffolding shall be secured against movement during
the lift, and the weights and positions allowed for in the gross weight.

12.9 SEAFASTENING REMOVAL

12.9.1 Seafastening on the transport barge should be designed:
 To minimise offshore cutting
 To provide restraint after cutting
 To allow lift off without fouling.

12.9.2 All cut lines should be clearly marked. Where a 2-stage lift is planned - e.g. barge to lift vessel, then lift
vessel to final position, involving 2 sets of cut lines, these should preferably be in different colours.
12.9.3 Where clashes with the lifted structure might occur during the lift, the primary mitigation is to ensure
that all secondary steel that has the potential for clashing with the structure is marked for pre-lift
removal; the selection criteria should be as in Section 9.2.
10
12.9.4 If the transport vessel is to be moved as part of a lifting operation it is important that all constraints are
documented as part of the lifting procedure to prevent clashes, e.g. the barge shall be removed in a
specific direction only. In all cases the constraints on the operation (the lift and associated post-lift
vessel movements) should be clearly documented in the lift procedure.
12.9.5 Adequate equipment must be available on the transport barge, including as appropriate:
 Burning sets
 Tuggers and lifting gear
 Means of securing loose seafastening material
 Lighting for night operations
 Safety equipment for personnel.
 Safe access to and from the transport barge.

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12.10 SLINGS & SHACKLES

12.10.1 The sling laydown arrangement shall show that:
a. The slinging arrangement is in accordance with acceptable good practice.
b. Large diameter slings and grommets shall be painted with a white line along the length to
monitor twisting during handling and laydown.
c. The sling lengths are matched as accurately as possible, unless the rigging arrangement is
deliberately non-symmetrical to take account of centre of gravity offset, in which case matched
pairs of slings should normally be used. Where minor mismatch in sling length exists, the slings
should be arranged to minimise skew loads.
d. The slings are adequately secured against barge motions and protected from abrasion against
sharp edges and adjacent structure. (Where sacrificial lashings are used, see Section 6.7.4 of 10
0028/ND, Ref. [3] and GPR.03 in Appendix I of 0030/ND, Ref. [5] )
e. The slings will not foul obstructions such as walkways and handrails when lifted, and any
unavoidable obstructions are properly protected.
f. The slings will not kink when lifted.
g. After the lift the slings (and spreaders if used) can be safely laid down again, without damage.
h. In the event that a single sling attached to a single lift point is planned, it should be doubled to
prevent the sling unwinding under load.

12.10.2 Slings with hand spliced terminations must be prevented from rotation.
12.10.3 No bending is allowed at or close to a termination.
12.10.4 It is permissible to shackle slings together end-to-end to increase the length. However, slings of
opposite lay should never be connected together.
12.10.5 It is permissible to increase the length of a sling by inserting an extra shackle (but not a wide body
shackle because it should not be connected bow-to-bow) or specifically designed link plates. Any 10
shackle to shackle connections should be bow-to-bow, not pin-to-pin or pin-to-bow (unless specifically
allowed by shackle manufacturers) so that shackles remain centred under the load and also during the
load take-up.
12.10.6 Slings and grommets should be manufactured and inspected in accordance with the IMCA Guidance
on Cable laid slings and grommets, Ref. [7], or similar acceptable standard. A thorough examination
shall be carried out as required by that document for all rigging components whether new or existing.
12.10.7 Shackles shall be manufactured by, and covered by a certificate from, an industry-recognised
manufacturer. If this certificate is more than 2 years old then there shall also be a MPI /UT test
certificate less than 2 years old. If this test certificate is more than 6 months old then there shall also 10
be a report of an inspection by a competent person within the previous 6 months. The lift shall be
executed within the date validity (if any) of the shackle certificate.
12.10.8 When shackles are used on a regular basis, a visual inspection shall be carried out by a competent
person before any lift when the utilisation of the shackle will be more than 80% of the SWL.
12.10.9 Where 9-part slings are proposed for use in a lifting system, certification of these slings shall be given
special consideration.
12.10.10 Where an existing sling has been used doubled and this sling shows a permanent kink, it shall not be
used in a single configuration.
12.10.11 Where spreader bars or spreader frames are used in a lifting system, there shall either be a load test
certificate provided indicating the SWL or WLL, tested in accordance with GL Guidelines, Ref. [11], or
10
an as-built dossier provided with data as listed in Section A.3.2. Where a single point of failure in the
lift system does not cause the loss of the lifted item, contingency procedures/plans should, where
possible, be in place to allow it to be safely recovered.

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12.11 LIFTING TOOLS

12.11.1 Where lifting tools are used as part of a lifting arrangement, the maximum loads imposed on such tools
shall not exceed the stated certified WLL for the tool. The hydraulic system (if used) should be of a
fail-safe nature, such that in the event of loss of hydraulic power, the tool will remain in fail-safe mode.
Test certificates shall be issued or endorsed by a body approved by an IACS member for the
certification of this type of equipment.
12.11.2 External and internal hydraulic lifting tools shall always have:
a. remote monitoring system close to the crane driver’s cab
b. a pressure gauge (or indicator) in the system showing when the tool is closed or open
10
c. a duplicate pressure gauge (or indicator), as close as safely possible to the tool to avoid
influences in pressure reading
d. a method to release the tool in the event of hydraulic system failure.

12.11.3 Automatic lifting tools shall have systems in place to control the stress in the lifted item in order to
prevent excessive local stress for sensitive items. Redundant mechanical systems must be in place in
case of power loss.

12.12 COLOUR CODING

12.12.1 Consideration should be given to colour code the rigging, i.e. one colour per rigging set to each lift
/upend point. This is good practice to avoid mix up, especially when the slings and connectors are pre-
checked “loosely” on the ground or deck before attaching to the lift points.

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REFERENCES

[1] GL Noble Denton Report 0001/ND - General Guidelines for Marine Projects
[2] GL Noble Denton Report 0013/ND - Guidelines for Load-Outs.
[3] GL Noble Denton Report 0028/ND - Guidelines for Steel Jacket Transportation & Installation.
[4] GL Noble Denton Report 0029/ND - Guidelines for Submarine Pipeline Installation
[5] GL Noble Denton Report 0030/ND - Guidelines for Marine Transportations
[6] GL Noble Denton Report 0032/ND - Guidelines for Moorings
[7] International Marine Contractors Association - Guidance on the Use of Cable Laid Slings and Grommets -
IMCA M 179 August 2005.
[8] ISO International Standard ISO 19901-5:2003 – Petroleum and natural gas industries – specific requirements
for offshore structures – Part 5: Weight control during engineering and construction.
[9] ISO International Standard ISO 2408:2004 - Steel wire ropes for General Purposes - Minimum Requirements
[10] ISO International Standard ISO 7531:1987 - Wire Rope slings for General Purposes - Characteristics and
Specifications.
[11] Germanischer Lloyd - Guidelines for the Construction and Survey of Lifting Appliances (1992 Edition)

All GL Noble Denton Guidelines can be downloaded from http://www.gl-nobledenton.com/en/rules_guidelines.php

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APPENDIX A - INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL

A.1. GENERAL INFORMATION REQUIRED

A.1.1 Where approval is required, a package shall be submitted to GL Noble Denton for review, consisting
of:
a. Structural analysis report for structure to be lifted, including lift points and spreaders, as in
Sections 7 and A.2.
b. Rigging arrangement package as in Section A.3.
c. Details of the lifting vessel, cranes and mooring /DP systems as in Section A.3.3.
d. The management structure, risk assessments and marine manuals /procedures as in
Section 12.
e. A site survey of the installation area covering the full area of any anchor pattern, carried out not
more than 4 weeks before the start of installation, shall be provided to verify the location of all
subsea infrastructure, debris and obstructions.

A.2. THE STRUCTURE TO BE LIFTED

A.2.1 Calculations shall be presented for the structure to be lifted, demonstrating its capacity to withstand,
without overstress, the loads imposed by the lift operation, with the load and safety factors stated in
Section 5, and the loadcases discussed in Section 7. The calculation package shall present, as a
minimum:
a. Plans, elevations and sections showing main structural members
b. The structural model. This should account for the proposed lifting geometry, including any
offset of the lift points
c. The weight and centre of gravity, including justification of weight and centre of gravity, by
Weight Control Report or weighing report, as in Section 5.2. For subsea lifts the weight report
shall include the submerged weight and centres of gravity and buoyancy.
d. For partly immersed and subsea lifts the requirements of Section 11.2 and 11.3 shall be
addressed.
e. For subsea lifting or lowering the additional information covered in Sections 11.2.8 and 11.3.
f. The steel grades and properties
g. The loadcases imposed
h. The Codes used
i. A tabulation of member and joint Unity Checks greater than 0.8
j. Justification or proposal for redesign, for any members with a Unity Check in excess of 1.0.

A.2.2 An analysis or equivalent justification shall be presented for all lift points, including padeyes, padears
and trunnions, to demonstrate that each lift point, and its attachment into the structure, is adequate for
the loads and factors set out in Sections 5 and 7.
A.2.3 A similar analysis shall be presented for spreader bars, beams and frames.
A.2.4 Confirmation shall be presented, from a Certifying Authority, Classification Society or similar, that the
structure including the lift points and their attachments has been constructed in accordance with the
drawings and specifications.

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A.3. RIGGING ARRANGEMENTS

A.3.1 Documentation shall be presented including:
a. The proposed rigging geometry showing:
o Dimensions of the structure,
o Centre of gravity position,
o Lift points,
o Crane hook,
o Sling lengths and angles, including shackle dimensions and "lost" length around hook
and trunnions.
b. A computation of the sling and shackle loads and required breaking loads, taking into account
the factors set out in Section 5.
c. A list of actual slings and shackles proposed, tabulating:
o Position on structure
o Sling/shackle identification number
o Sling length and diameter
o Rigging utilisation factor summaries
o CSBL, CRBL for slings or CGBL for grommets,
o SWL or WLL for shackles
o Construction
o Direction of lay
o Wire grade and wire type (bright or galvanised).
o Copies of inspection/test Certificates for all rigging components. These certificates shall
be issued or endorsed by a body approved by an IACS member for the certification of
that type of equipment.

A.3.2 Where spreader bars or spreader frames are not load tested (as in Section 12.10.11) an as-built
fabrication dossier shall be provided listing the following minimum information:
a. Material certificates (3rd party endorsed),
b. Welding consumables certificates,
c. Weld procedures,
d. NDT procedures,
e. Welders and NDT operatives qualifications,
f. Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) listing Hold Monitor and Witness points,
g. 3rd party fabrication release note,
h. Technical queries /concession requests,
i. As-built drawings,
j. Design report.

A.3.3 When subsea lifting or lowering is involved, additional documentation should be provided to show that
the topics covered in Section 11.3 to 11.12, if applicable, are covered.

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A.4. THE INSTALLATION VESSEL

A.4.1 Information shall be submitted on the installation / crane vessel and any cranes or winches to be used.
This shall include, as appropriate: 10
a. Vessel general arrangement drawings and specification including proposed operating and
survival drafts.
b. Documentation and certificates (see Section 6.6 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1]).
c. Vessel station keeping procedures (see Section 13 of 0001/ND, Ref. [1]).
d. DP system and documentation (as applicable) as in Section 6.5.
e. Mooring system and anchors (as applicable) as in Section 6.6.
f. Crane specification and operating curves (including where necessary the dynamic crane
capacity / curve) and heave compensation).
g. Qualification and certification of crane operators.
h. Details of any ballasting operations required during the lift.
i. For subsea lifting or lowering, details of:
10
o Where necessary for the operation, ROV's & tooling (see Section 11.6);
o Details of any separate winches & heave-compensation systems to be used (see
Section 6.3).

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