DNV targets offshore sector with new ABATE notation

FPSO owner, Altera Infrastructure, is the first offshore company to adopt DNV’s new voluntary ABATE notation, designed to assist owners of offshore assets to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The notation is being piloted on the FPSO, Petrojarl Knarr.

Offshore installations are not yet covered by the same decarbonisation goals as those that apply to shipping. But reducing GHG emissions from offshore oil and gas assets is seen as an essential component in the decarbonisation process and DNV’s new notation is intended to assist owners in improving the sustainability of offshore installations. Intended primarily for the oil and gas sectors, the notation’s general principles can also be applied to other floating offshore assets, DNV said.

The modular notation identifies various operational processes that offer GHG reduction potential. Depending on the type of installation, these are power generation; flaring; leakages and venting of methane; storage tank venting; and carbon capture.

The classification society’s Geir Fuglerud, director of Offshore Classification, said: “We want to offer the industry practical solutions for reducing emissions, which is why it has been so helpful to work with an engaged and proactive owner like Altera on this pilot to identify areas of improvement.”

Speaking on behalf of Altera Infrastructure, the company’s President Altera Production, Chris Brett, commented: “Our vision is to lead the industry to a sustainable future, so being the first FPSO in the world to pilot DNV’s innovative ABATE notation is an important step for Altera and in line with our vision. Reducing emissions in a traditional industry like ours is challenging, but also very rewarding, and I am confident we are on the right path.”