The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has released a revised version of its Guidelines for the Purchasing and Testing of SPM Hawsers, which are crucial equipment used in safely mooring tankers during the loading and unloading of oil cargoes from offshore facilities. These hawsers connect tankers to FPSOs, FSOs, or offloading buoys, and proper testing and specification are essential to ensure they have the necessary strength, durability, and reliability to operate effectively and prevent potential incidents and environmental damage.
The second edition of the guidelines, rewritten by an OCIMF Working Group, includes updated guidance, the latest product specifications, and enhanced visualizations to assist manufacturers and purchasers in determining the appropriate specifications, purchasing, and testing of SPM Hawsers for each mooring. The publication also features various forms, including a Compliance Certificate, specification forms, checklists, and inspection report templates, to provide practical tools for industry professionals involved in the procurement and use of SPM hawsers.
Darron L. Biddle, OCIMF’s Publications and Advocacy Director, emphasizes the importance of SPM hawsers in offshore operations and the need for a common understanding among industry stakeholders regarding the equipment’s various configurations. The updated guidance aims to provide consistent and accurate information, along with user-friendly forms and checklists, to ensure that everyone in the industry is working from the same set of guidelines. This will help streamline the process of specifying, purchasing, and testing SPM hawsers, given the wide range of options available in the market.
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