Subsea Mining Guide Oct20
Subsea Mining Guide Oct20
Subsea Mining Guide Oct20
Subsea Mining
October 2020
GUIDE FOR
SUBSEA MINING
OCTOBER 2020
The requirements for subsea mining equipment and systems placed onboard mobile offshore mining units,
including launch and recovery systems, dewatering and subsea mining cargo handling systems, and subsea
control and monitoring systems are also provided in this Guide to obtain the optional notation SM1.
Compliance with the requirements of SM1 notation and the additional requirements for subsea mining
equipment and systems submerged in water including subsea mining tools, subsea temporary storage
devices, and subsea mining riser and lift systems provided in this Guide will obtain the optional notation
SM2.
This Guide is to be used in conjunction with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore
Units (MOU Rules), the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Drillships (Drillships Guide), the ABS
Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules), as well as applicable Statutory
Regulations.
This Guide becomes effective on the first day of the month of publication.
Users are advised to check periodically on the ABS website www.eagle.org to verify that this version of
this Guide is the most current.
SUBSEA MINING
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 General..................................................................................................6
1 Application...................................................................................... 6
2 Classification ..................................................................................6
2.1 Scope.................................................................................6
2.2 Classification Symbols and Notations................................7
2.3 Optional Class Notations................................................... 8
2.4 Strengthening for Navigation in Ice....................................9
2.5 Vessel Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels......... 9
2.6 Administration Requirements.............................................9
3 Risk Evaluations for Alternative Arrangements and Novel
Features........................................................................................10
4 Hazard Identification (HAZID) for Mobile Offshore Mining Units.. 10
5 Submission of Plans and Design data.......................................... 10
5.1 Hull and Design Data.......................................................10
5.2 Machinery Plans.............................................................. 10
5.3 Calculations..................................................................... 11
5.4 Additional Plans............................................................... 11
6 Operating Manuals....................................................................... 14
7 Definitions..................................................................................... 15
7.1 Subsea Mining Cargo Handling System.......................... 15
7.2 Column-Stabilized Mining Unit.........................................15
7.3 Dewatering System..........................................................15
7.4 Flexible Riser................................................................... 15
7.5 International Seabed Area............................................... 15
7.6 Launch and Recovery System.........................................15
7.7 Mine Tailings.................................................................... 15
7.8 Mobile Offshore Mining Unit............................................ 15
7.9 Nodules............................................................................15
7.10 Non-Self-Propelled Unit................................................... 15
7.11 Ore...................................................................................16
7.12 Polymetallic Crusts.......................................................... 16
SECTION 7 Surveys............................................................................................... 35
1 Survey During Construction .........................................................35
1.1 General............................................................................ 35
1.2 Specific Systems for SM1 or SM2 Notation.....................35
1.3 Survey of Subsea Mining Equipment and Systems
During Manufacture (SM1 or SM2 Notation)................... 36
1.4 Installation Survey for SM1 or SM2 Notation...................37
2 Survey After Construction.............................................................38
2.1 General ........................................................................... 38
2.2 Annual Surveys for SM1 or SM2 Notation....................... 39
2.3 Special Survey (Every 5 Years) for SM1 or SM2
Notation........................................................................... 40
1 Application
This Guide applies to mobile offshore mining units primarily intended for subsea mining operations with
the associated subsea mining systems and equipment defined in 1/7.8. The associated operating activities
of mobile offshore mining units may include:
● Deployment of subsea mining tools (SMTs) using launch and recovery systems
● Collection of nodules, disaggregating of polymetallic crust and seafloor massive sulfides deposits
using subsea mining tools
● Transport of nodules or slurry from the seafloor to the mobile offshore mining unit using the subsea
mining riser and lift systems
● Extraction of ore from slurry using on board dewatering and cargo handling systems
● Return of mine tailings back to the depth required by International Seabed Authority (ISA) or coastal
states using the subsea mining downcomer and pumping systems
● Ship to ship transfer of ore from the mobile offshore mining unit to support vessels or barges while on
station
This Guide covers both ship-type mining units and column-stabilized mining units. Other types will be
considered by ABS on a case by case basis.
2 Classification
The requirements for conditions of classification are contained in the separate, generic ABS Rules for
Conditions of Classification – Offshore Units and Structures (Part 1).
Additional requirements specific to mobile offshore mining units are contained in the following Sections.
2.1 Scope
The classification of a mobile offshore mining unit addresses three major elements which are subject to the
requirements of this Guide:
i) Hull structure
ii) Anchoring and equipment
iii) Onboard machinery, equipment and systems that are not part of the subsea mining systems and
equipment
Classification of the following subsea mining systems and equipment may be offered if requested by the
Owner:
The Maltese Cross, ✠, symbol is assigned to units for which the hull construction and/or the manufacture
of its machinery and components and any associated required testing, as applicable, is carried out under
ABS survey. For units constructed under survey of another recognized Classification Society or Authority,
the Maltese Cross, ✠, symbol will be omitted from the hull and/or machinery classification notations.
The service notation will be appended by one of the following (Ship-Type) or (Column-
Stabilized) to indicate the hull type. The hull structural configurations of these units are described
in 1/7.
Machinery and systems for non-self-propelled mining units are to comply with the applicable
requirements of Part 4 of the MOU Rules or their equivalent. Propulsion machinery and systems
used for short field moves of non-self-propelled units and complying with the requirements of the
MOU Rules as applied to self-propelled units, manufactured and installed under ABS survey and
found satisfactory after trials, will be distinguished in the Record by the notation ✠AMS-NP, as
appropriate. See also 3-1-1/1.7 of the MOU Rules.
A listing of Classification Symbols and Notations available to the Owners may be viewed and downloaded
from the ABS website: http://www.eagle.org. This Section introduces notations that may be common for
mobile offshore mining units. Additional and/or optional classification symbols and notations are
described in the Rules and Guides governing mobile offshore units.
Compliance with the requirements of the ✠SM1 notation and the requirements found in Sections
6 and 7 of this Guide for the additional subsea mining systems and equipment, manufactured and
installed under ABS survey and found satisfactory after tests, will result in the notation ✠SM2
being added in the Record for mobile offshore mining units.
Approval of structural fire protection, fire extinguishing systems, and/or stability of the unit by a National
Administration may be considered as complying with the class requirements provided such approval can
be satisfactorily documented.
Risk evaluations for the justification of alternative arrangements or novel features may be applicable either
to the unit as a whole, or to individual systems, subsystems or components. ABS will consider the
application of risk evaluations for alternative arrangements and novel features for subsea mining systems.
Portions of the subsea mining system or any of its components thereof not explicitly included in the risk
evaluation submitted to ABS are to comply with any applicable parts of the ABS Rules and Guides. If any
proposed alternative arrangement or novel feature affects any applicable requirements of Flag and Coastal
State, it is the responsibility of the Owner to discuss with the applicable authorities the acceptance of
alternatives based on risk evaluations.
For new or novel concepts, (i.e., applications or processes that have no previous experience in the
environment being proposed), the guidance encompassed in the class Rules may not be directly applicable
to them. The ABS Guidance Notes on Review and Approval of Novel Concepts offers ABS clients a
methodology for requesting classification of a novel concept. The process described in this guidance
document draws upon engineering, testing and risk assessments in order to determine if the concept
provides acceptable levels of safety in line with current industry practices.
The identified risk control options (prevention and mitigation measures) deemed necessary to be
implemented are to be considered part of the design basis of the mobile offshore mining unit.
2/2.4 of the ABS Guidance Notes on Risk Assessment Applications for the Marine and Offshore Industries
provides the guidance of hazard identification technics.
Hazard Identification (HAZID) report in accordance with Subsection 1/4 is to be submitted for review.
systems, and other pumps and piping systems as described in 4-1-1/5, 4-1-2/7, 4-2-1/7, 4-3-1/5 and 5-2-1/3
of the MOU Rules.
For SM1 or SM2 notation, all industrial systems used for subsea mining are to comply with a recognized
code/standard and certified per Section 5/Table 1 and Section 6/Table 1.
When the optional SM1 or SM2 notation is not requested, industrial systems used for subsea mining are
not required to comply with the ABS Subsea Mining Guide Section 5/Table 1 and Section 6/Table 1.
However, manufacturer’s certificates of all equipment and systems used for subsea mining operations are
to be submitted to ABS Technical office for record and file.
5.3 Calculations
Design support calculations are to be submitted as described in 3-1-2/3 of the MOU Rules, Part 3 and Part
5 of the Marine Vessel Rules as applicable.
Where the optional SM1 or SM2 notation is requested, submission of plans and calculations given in
1/5.4.1 and 1/5.4.2 for the certification of the subsea mining systems and equipment will be required.
5.4.1(a) General
i) Design basis document that covers the technical and operational specification including
the intended service, functionality and the expected operational conditions and limitations
ii) The documentations for derrick structure given in A7-1/13.1 of the ABS Guide for the
Classification of Drilling Systems (CDS Guide)
iii) General Arrangement/assembly drawing for each item of major equipment
iv) Equipment Layout Drawings including subsea mining control station
v) Piping and Instrument Diagrams for all systems and subsystems, accompanied by lists of
materials giving size, wall thickness, maximum working pressure and material of all
pipes/tubes, and the type, size, pressure rating and material of valves and fittings
vi) A block diagram for each major piece of equipment indicating the electrical components
and any interconnecting cables
vii) Electrical One-line diagrams including one-line diagrams for each skid indicating the
power supply arrangements for the motors and any other electrical components
viii) Equipment List which includes the identification number, description and main technical
specifications for all major equipment, such as motors, pressure switches, cable glands,
cranes, winches, power units, etc.
5.4.1(b) Dewatering and Subsea Mining Cargo Handling
i) Cargo Compartment Arrangement
ii) Description of equipment used in pumping operations.
iii) Description of equipment used in mineral processing and dewatering operations
iv) Ancillary arrangements for equipment used in subsea mining operations such as pumping
systems, mineral processing equipment, tailings piping, and similar items
5.4.1(c) Launch and Recovery
i) Location details of launch and recovery system (LARS) for subsea mining equipment
including schematics and calculations
ii) Location details for the stowage of subsea mining tools on the unit
5.4.1(d) Subsea Mining Control and Monitoring Systems
i) Arrangements:
a) The control system configuration, general arrangements for the unit and the
layout of the machinery with essential auxiliaries, specifications of main
equipment with information of manufacturer’s name, type, rating and number of
the equipment.
b) Arrangements and details of control consoles/panels, including front view,
installation arrangements together with schematic plans and logic description for
all power, control, and monitoring systems and their functions including, if
provided, emergency control stations.
c) Arrangement and details of communication systems between the unit and seabed
systems including control umbilical specifications.
ii) Schematics
a) Schematic diagrams showing connections between all main components (units,
equipment) of the system, human machine interfaces and interfaces with
other systems.
b) Schematic diagrams showing the connections between the sensing devices,
control and display units, alarm devices, human machine interfaces and power
supply arrangement, and description of monitoring systems including a list of
monitoring points, displays and alarms including preset parameters for the
machinery and all essential auxiliary machinery and systems at each
control station.
iii) Safety systems descriptions may include a list of all monitored parameters with settings
for implemented protective actions (e.g., automatic shutdown and automatic slowdown),
schematic diagrams showing the connections between the safety devices, control and
display units, alarm devices, human machine interface and primary and emergency power
supply arrangement, as appropriate.
iv) Details on hierarchy of controls including primary, secondary, emergency, etc., as
applicable
v) Operational descriptions for starting of machinery, control transfer, critical speeds,
essential auxiliary machinery automatic starting arrangement if fitted
vi) Control system operating and maintenance manuals
5.4.2 Additional Plans for SM2 Notation
In addition to the submitted drawings and plans listed in 1/5.4.1, the documentation listed below is
to be submitted, as applicable.
a) Design basis
● Mining field description, ore contents and production slurry density, intended
field production through put, production method, intended field life, method
of operation, abandonment and recovery, and metocean conditions
● Description of the riser and lift system
● Descriptions of major components
● List of applicable codes and standards
● Design specifications
● Assembly drawings, system flow diagrams and schematics
● Design analysis methodology, procedures and load case matrices
● Installation procedure outline
● Specification of the internal slurry fluid
● Corrosion/erosion allowances
b) Field layout drawings including initial installation, in-place production,
abandonment and recovery and back to in-place production
c) Bill of material
d) Material specifications, properties and traceability
e) Schedules of nondestructive testing and quality control procedures
f) Drawings of arrangement, stack-up, scope of supply, assembly, major interfaces
with unit, mining machines, and lift pumps, and marking
g) Wall thickness sizing report
h) Analysis Reports, including strength, fatigue (floater motion-induced fatigue,
VIV, FIV), installation and retrieval analyses
i) Safety principle and philosophy
j) Corrosion/erosion control and protection details
k) Manufacturer’s affidavit of compliance (MAC)
l) FAT, SIT procedure and reports
m) Site geotechnical/ geophysical reports
n) As-built Documents
o) Manufacturing, transportation, installation, and components repair/replacement
procedures
p) ITP procedure/plan
a) Details and specifications of main and/or intermediate subsea lift pumps with
evaluation for intended service including design, operational and environmental
conditions
b) Associated piping and instrumentation diagrams including hydraulic, pneumatic
and electrical systems
c) NON pump lift systems such as air lift, magnetic induction, continuous conveyor
5.4.2(c) Subsea temporary storage devices and associated transporting hoses
i) Subsea temporary storage devices
a) Design specifications, including design codes, standards, and references
b) Design parameters: pressure rating, temperature rating, loads, etc.
c) Design analysis and/or calculations
d) Dimensional drawings and fabrication details
e) Material specifications and material properties
f) Details for manufacturing specifications
g) Manufacturer’s affidavit of compliance, as applicable
ii) Transporting hoses
a) Pressure (internal/external) and temperature (min/max) ratings
b) Construction materials details/material specifications
c) Design analysis
d) Prototype testing procedures and data, as required by design code
e) End connections and termination details, as applicable:
f) Manufacturing specifications
g) Manufacturer’s affidavit of compliance
6 Operating Manuals
The Operating Manual of the mobile offshore mining unit is to be submitted for review by ABS to verify
that operational procedures and conditions are consistent with the design information, criteria and
limitations considered in the classification. ABS is not responsible for the operation of mobile offshore
mining unit.
A copy of the Operating Manual is preferably to be stored onboard of the mobile offshore mining unit.
Alternatively, the Operating Manual may be retained by the Owner and made readily available to the ABS
Surveyor and to service personnel prior to conducting any maintenance or inspection.
Insofar as classification is concerned, the operating manual for the mobile offshore mining unit is to
include the information in accordance with Section 1-2-5 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification
– Offshore Units and Structures, as appropriate.
The Operating Manual required by this Subsection does not need to be in addition to that required by the
coastal State or other governmental authorities. These administrations may require that additional
information be included in the Operating Manual.
7 Definitions
7.9 Nodules
Polymetallic nodules are formed of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides around a core and
lie on the sea floor or are buried in sediment. The chemical composition of these nodules may include
cobalt, iron and manganese oxides, copper, nickel, rare earth elements (REE) and other metals.
The declaration of the unit as non-self-propelled is to be requested by the Owner, specified in the contract
between the Owner and the builder and confirmed by ABS and the Flag Administration.
7.11 Ore
A rock that contains minerals with important elements such as metals that can be extracted from the rock.
The declaration of the unit as self-propelled is to be requested by the Owner, specified in the contract
between the Owner and the builder and confirmed by ABS and the Flag Administration.
7.17 Slurry
A semiliquid mixture made up of seafloor minerals suspended in water. They may be lifted through a
subsea mining riser and lift system.
8.2 References
ABS Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Units (MOU Rules)
ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules)
ABS Guide for Buckling and Ultimate Strength Assessment for Offshore Structures
ABS Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles, Systems and Hyperbaric Facilities
(Underwater Vehicles Rules)
ABS Guide for Building and Classing Subsea Riser Systems (Riser Guide)
ABS Guide for Classification and Certification of Subsea Production Systems, Equipment and
Components (Subsea Equipment Guide)
ABS Guide for “Dynamic Loading Approach” for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO)
Installations (DLA Guide)
ABS Guide for Remote Control and Monitoring for Auxiliary Machinery and Systems (other than
Propulsion) on Offshore Installations
ABS Guide for Risk Evaluations for the Classification of Marine-Related Facilities
ABS Guide for Spectral-Based Fatigue Analysis for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO)
Installations (SFA Guide)
ABS Guide for the Environmental Protection Notation for Offshore Units, Floating Installations, and
Liftboats
ABS Guidance Notes on the Application of Fiber Rope for Offshore Mooring
ABS Guidance Notes on Risk Assessment Applications for the Marine and Offshore Industries
1 General
Metallic materials and welding are to be in accordance with ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part
2) together with Section 3-1-4, 3-2-2/1.1, 3-2-4/1.7 and 3-2-5/3 of the MOU Rules for mobile offshore
mining units.
For ice classed mobile offshore mining units, material and welding are to be in accordance with Part 6
Chapter 1 of the Marine Vessel Rules.
Materials for marine systems and equipment serving both the mining unit and subsea mining operations are
to be in accordance with ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2).
Materials of synthetic fiber ropes for application in the mooring system are to be selected and tested in
accordance with the ABS Guidance Notes on the Application of Fiber Rope for Offshore Mooring or
recognized standard.
For rigid risers receiving the SM2 notation, material, welding and NDE are to follow the requirements in
Chapter 5 and 6 of the CDS Guide, as applicable.
For flexible risers classed receiving the SM2 notation, materials are to be selected with consideration of
their fitness for the intended service and in accordance with the recognized industry standards.
1 General
The design and construction of mobile offshore mining units are to be in accordance with the applicable
requirements in Part 3 of the MOU Rules. The mode of operation specified in 3-1-1/17 of the MOU Rules
is to be in accordance with 3/1.1, 3/1.2 and 3/1.3.
i) For vessel length of 150 meters or more, low cycle fatigue due to tank loading and offloading is to
be considered in accordance with Section 9 of ABS Guide for Spectral-Based Fatigue Analysis for
Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Installations (SFA Guide).
ii) Local structure supporting mining derricks is to be considered in accordance with 3-2-5/5.1 of the
MOU Rules.
iii) Loads due to the mining derrick, pipe racks, mud tanks, cable reel and other associated equipment
as described in this Guide are to be considered in the strength analysis of local structures.
iv) Specific weight of slurry is to be specified by the Owner. When the specific gravity of the liquid
contents of a tank is greater than 1.05, the head h specified in 3-2-2/7 of the MOU Rules is to be
increased by a factor equal to the ratio of the specific gravity to 1.0.
v) For vessel length of 150 meters or more, initial scantling evaluation (ISE) and total strength
assessment (TSA) in way of the bulk cargo holds and fore and aft body are to be carried out in
accordance with Section 5C-3-4 and Section 5C-3-5 and Section 5C-3-6 of Marine Vessel Rules.
vi) For vessel length of 150 meters or more, ISE and TSA for structure in way of moonpool and
derrick are to be carried out in accordance with Section 4 and Section 5 of the ABS Guide for
Building and Classing Drillships (Drillships Guide).
vii) Site condition may be considered in accordance with Appendix 1 of the DrillShips Guide where
applicable.
viii) For vessel Length of 300 meters and above, DLA/SFA is to be carried out for compliance with
ABS Guide for “Dynamic Loading Approach” for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading
(FPSO) Installations (DLA Guide) and SFA Guide applicable to the vessel type.
2.2.1 Substructures
Substructures supporting the mining derrick, floor and associated equipment are to be analyzed, as
required by 3-2-1/1 of the MOU Rules. Stresses are not to exceed those permitted by 3-2-1/3 of the
MOU Rules.
2.2.1(a) Individual Loads. Individual loads to be considered are the operating loads specified by
the Owner or designer and should include, but are not limited to the following, as applicable.
2.2.1(b) Combined Loads. Environmental loads due to wind, including severe storm wind load, are
to be combined with the individual loads indicated to reflect the applicable operational
requirements for the range of anticipated conditions. Loads due to unit motions are to be
considered for all afloat conditions.
When the crane unit is equipped to counter-ballast while lifting, the unit is to be able to withstand the
sudden loss of the hook load in each condition of loading and operation. The free surface effects are to be
considered for those tanks which are ballasted and ore slurry compartments. Specific reference may be
made to Part 8 Appendix 1 of the MOU Rules for column-stabilized units and 3-3-A2/23 of the Marine
Vessel Rules for ship-type units.
If the unit is intended to carry deck cargoes that may accumulate water, such as open cargo bins or open
pipes, a free surface correction is to be applied to afloat conditions.
Fire and gas hazards arising from the storage and transport of subsea mining cargo are to be evaluated
based on the specific subsea mining products in accordance with Appendix I of the International Maritime
Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. Appropriate measures in accordance with the IMSBC Code are to be
made to mitigate these hazards.
1 General Requirements
Machinery, equipment and systems that support marine operations are to be in accordance with the
applicable sections of Part 4 of the MOU Rules.
3 Electrical Systems
Electrical equipment and systems are to be in accordance with the applicable requirements of Part 4,
Chapter 3 of the MOU Rules.
If a system is serving marine operations and subsea mining operations (e.g., power supply to mining unit
and subsea mining tools), the design criteria of the system is to meet the MOU Rules, as applicable. If a
portion of the system serves only subsea mining operation and can be isolated from the part serving marine
operations, other recognized industrial standards or manufacturer standards may be applied to that part of
the system up to, but not including, the isolating circuit.
1 General
Where an optional notation SM1 is requested, in addition to the equipment and systems specified in
Section 4, subsea mining equipment and systems carried or installed onboard the mobile offshore mining
unit and exclusively used for subsea mining operations are to be designed, constructed and tested in
accordance with the applicable ABS requirements in this section or recognized national, international or
industrial codes/standards where not covered by ABS requirements for verification of their suitability for
the specified design conditions. Where no recognized national, international or industrial codes/standards
exist, the designer is to submit a document outlining the design basis. The design basis is to cover the
technical and operational specification including the intended service, functionality and the expected
operational conditions and limitations. Such design basis is to be used as the manufacturer’s standard and
is to be complied with. For SM1 notation subsea mining systems and equipment, the plan review and
survey are to correspond to the Type Approval Tier listed in Section 5/Table 1.
2 Design Considerations
i) The manufacturer will be required to demonstrate by way of testing or analysis that the design
criteria employed results in a level of safety in line with current marine and offshore practice and
consistent with that of a recognized standard or code of practice.
ii) Where strain gauge testing, fracture analysis, proof testing or similar procedures form a part of the
manufacturer’s design criteria, the procedure and results are to be submitted for ABS review.
iii) Historical performance data for systems, subsystems, equipment or components is to be submitted
for justification of designs based on manufacturer’s standards.
iv) ABS will consider the application of risk evaluations for alternative or novel features for the basis
of design in accordance with Section 5 and Section 6.
Derricks/Mast used for subsea mining operation on a mobile offshore mining unit are to comply with the
requirements of 2-4/7 of the CDS Guide, as applicable.
Installation and operation of the subsea mining equipment and system is not to result in unsafe conditions
for the mobile offshore mining unit and crew.
Overboard discharges from the subsea mining cargo handling and dewatering is to conform to the
governing national/international/regional regulations, as applicable.
5.2.1 Cranes, Booms, and Hoists for Subsea Mining Cargo Handling
Cranes, booms, and hoists used for subsea mining cargo handling operations on a mobile offshore
mining unit are to comply with the requirements in Chapter 2 of the Lifting Appliance Guide, as
applicable, and be certified by ABS. Hoists are to additionally comply with 5/5.2.4.
motion. Fail safe arrangements are to be provided. A safe emergency control position is to be
provided. The system is to be provided with adequate back up arrangements to enable operation in
the event of a component failure. Where, due to the design of the system, provisions for a standby
system is impracticable, necessary spares are to be carried on board which would enable
rectification of a fault and the ability to resume operation.
Where the equipment in the subsea mining cargo handling system needs to be operated manually,
means are to be provided to enable this operation during commissioning, fault finding and other
similar work. Monitoring is to indicate the system operational status (operating or not operating),
availability of power, overload alarm, air pressure, hydraulic pressure, electrical power or current,
motor running and motor overload, and brake mechanism engagement as necessary. The
maximum safe working load is to be conspicuously posted near the controls and visible to the
operator.
● Arrangements for initiating a controlled stop towards the upper and lower limits when
variable or multi-step drives are used.
● Control devices which prohibit incorrect hoist direction at the hoist travel limits.
● Ultimate limit switches which in an emergency shall disconnect the main current on all poles
via a main contactor to the hoist. The actuators of these switches are to be independent of
other switches.
Where the mass of the load is not controlled prior to reaching the subsea mining cargo handling
equipment, it is to be equipped with an overload protection system. Hoist units using ropes or
chains are to be equipped with a device to identify a slack rope or chain condition which when
actuated stops all operational movement of the hoist unit(s). Provision is to be made to prevent the
restarting of the hoist unit(s) until the fault has been cleared by an authorized person. Means are to
be provided to equalize the tension of the suspension elements where more than one element is
fixed to one point, and their position is to be monitored.
An additional braking system is to be fitted and it is to operate automatically in the event of failure
of main braking system. The additional braking system is to be capable of operating even in the
event of the failure of a gear in the travel unit/conveyor. Automatic speed reduction is to be
provided in addition to the braking system when a lower speed is required for reasons of safety.
Function of this system is to be automatically monitored. In case of failure, the machine is to be
stopped automatically.
A device to prevent derailment is to be fitted on the cargo handler which is to be effective in the
case of failure of travel wheels or guide rollers. Rail junctions are to include suitable interlocking
devices to prevent derailment. Rail sweeps are to be provided in front of travel wheels and guide
rollers. Means are to be provided to prevent the cargo handler from dropping more 10 mm (0.40
in) if a travel wheel or axle fails. The machine and the rails are to be designed and built in such a
way that the machine will not overturn even during operation of the safety devices.
Shipping containers used for housing portable subsea mining control stations are to meet the applicable
requirements of the ABS Rules for Certification of Cargo Containers. Special consideration will be given
to containers that are designed and fabricated to other recognized industry standards that are not less
effective than the Rules.
The subsea mining control station is to be provided with air conditioning for control consoles when
required by the operational characteristics of electronic components within the consoles. The leading of
pipes in the vicinity of control consoles is to be avoided as far as possible. When such leads are necessary,
care is to be taken in order to fit no flange or joints over or near the consoles, or stands, unless provision is
made to prevent any leakage from damaging equipment. The subsea mining control station is to be
provided with effective fire protection on all delimiting walls, bulkheads and decks.
The subsea mining control station is to be located in a safe space and have good visibility for operational
control. Clear working space is to be provided around panels, consoles and stands to enable doors to be
fully opened and equipment removed for maintenance and replacement. Consoles, panels and stands are to
be firmly secured to a solid foundation, be self-supported or be braced to the bulkheads.
Enclosed subsea mining control stations are to have two means of access located as remote from each other
as practicable. Glass windows in the control station are to be of shatter-resistant type. Sufficient light
fixtures are to be installed to provide 540 lumens/m2 (50 foot-candles) over all control stands, consoles and
panels.
Controls, displays and alarms are to provide for safe and reliable performance of all the required functions
carried out from the subsea mining control station.
When control of the system or equipment is possible from more than one control location, control is to be
possible only from one control location at a time. Clear method to transfer control between stations is to
be provided. At each control location, there is to be an indicator showing which location is in control.
The mining central control station and the unit station keeping control station are to be linked by a hard-
wired communication system. Other means may be considered, provided they are no less effective. Means
of communications are to be provided between the central control station and the local control stations for
the subsea mining equipment. Communication systems are to be installed to minimize disturbances or
interference generated by foreign sources of energy.
TABLE 1
Certification Details
Cranes 5 5/5.2
Booms 5 5/5.2
Note:
* = See Appendix 1-1-A3 of ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification – Offshore Units and Structures
** = See Subsection 5/1, applicable where no other industrial standard can be applied
1 General
Where an optional notation SM2 is requested, in addition to the subsea mining equipment and systems
specified in Section 5, subsea mining equipment and systems exclusively used for subsea mining
operations and submerged in water during normal operations are to be designed, constructed and tested in
accordance with the applicable ABS requirements in this section or recognized national, international or
industrial codes/standards where not covered by ABS requirements for verification of their suitability for
the specified design conditions. Where no recognized national, international or industrial codes/standards
exist, the designer is to submit a document outlining the design basis. The design basis is to cover the
technical and operational specification including the intended service, functionality and the expected
operational conditions and limitations. Such design basis is to be used as the manufacturer’s standard and
is to be complied with. For SM2 notation subsea mining systems and equipment, the plan review and
survey are to correspond to the Type Approval Tier listed in Section 6/Table 1.
2 Design Considerations
The systems and equipment are to be designed to account for all applicable environmental, operational,
and test loads, or combination thereof.
The flow assurance study or equivalent is to provide the riser design requirement to prevent slurry flow
collapse and include slugging assessment to determine slug size and slug induced loads, if applicable. If
the flow assurance study or equivalent shows slugging may be an issue to onboard piping systems and
machinery, and subsea mining riser and lift systems, mitigations are to be considered in the design of those
impacted systems and submitted to ABS for review, unless detailed analyses are provided to demonstrate
the integrity of the structures are not impacted by the slug flow.
Alternative designs and design review based on manufacturer's standard may be in accordance with
Subsection 5/2.
3.1.4 Frames
Frames are to be of adequate construction, consideration being given to their size and the loads
which may be imposed upon them.
Loads to be considered include those which result from bottoming, striking objects, wave slap,
bumping alongside the mining unit and other loads resulting from being launched and recovered in
the specified operational sea state.
The calculated stresses are not to exceed the allowable stress fa as obtained from the following
equation:
fa = fηe
where
Type of Stress ηe
Removable equipment on SMTs are to be provided with lifting lugs/attachments to facilitate their
easy retrieval.
Acoustic subsurface locating devices are to be compatible with the navigational/positing keeping systems
onboard the support vessel/offshore platform.
Flexible cables for transmission of electrical power and signals are to be of watertight construction. Cables
are to be protected from mechanical damage. Tensile loads are not to be applied to electrical cables or
wiring.
Umbilicals are to be securely attached to SMTs by means of strength members or strain relief fittings so
that individual electrical connections are not subjected to tensile loads. The length of umbilicals is to be
appropriate for the design depth of the SMT and is to include extra length for re-termination of the
umbilicals. Umbilical cables/hoses are to be arranged so that the weight of the SMT is borne by the
strength member where the umbilical is considered to be a secondary means of recovery and the strength
member is to meet the applicable requirements in Section 19 of the Underwater Vehicles Rules, as
applicable.
Umbilical hoses are to have a burst pressure at least 4 times system working pressure and be rated for not
less than the system pressure. Additionally, umbilical hoses are to be rated for not less than the pressure
equivalent of the design depth of the unit plus 28 kg/cm2 (400 lb/in2). Hoses are to have connectors that are
corrosion-resistant, resistant to accidental disengagement, and rated at least equal to the rating of the hose.
Umbilical hoses and fittings are to be tested to 1.5 times the system’s pressure in the presence of a
Surveyor.
Tether management systems (TMS), when provided, are to meet the following requirements:
i) The TMS is to be provided with an appropriate means to house and secure the SMT during launch
and recovery operations and travel through the water column.
ii) Where applicable, the TMS frame is to be capable of accommodating additional packages or
equipment.
iii) The TMS frame is to meet the applicable requirements specified in 6/3.1.
iv) The TMS is to be provided with a tether spooling mechanism to store and deploy the SMT
excursion tether. The spooling mechanism may be fitted on the TMS frame. Means are to be
provided for monitoring the length of the excursion tether spooled out by the spooling
For rigid risers, the risers are to be designed to meet the applicable design criteria, as specified in
Chapter 2, Section 3 of the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Subsea Riser Systems (Riser
Guide) for the following failure modes:
For flexible risers, the risers are to be designed to withstand the extreme sea state loadings
expected during their design life. Maximum tension and minimum allowable bend radius criteria
specified in the design basis of the flexible riser are not to be exceeded when the riser is subjected
to the extreme loadings.
A flexible riser is to meet design criteria related to pressure, temperature, erosion, corrosion,
aging, wear, fatigue, geometric restraints and mechanical strains in accordance with
manufacturers’ standards or recognized industry standards.
If the riser is susceptible to vortex induced vibration (VIV) during operating conditions, VIV
suppression devices are to be considered.
For the return tailings pipes that are separated from the mining riser pipe, the requirements in 6/4.1 for
subsea mining risers also apply to return tailings pipes.
For the return tailings pipes that are bundled with the mining riser pipe, the requirements for auxiliary lines
in the CDS Guide apply to return tailings pipes. The effect of the multiple pipes bundled and forming a
cross sectional condition that may be easily excited by cross flow current calls for evaluation for VIV
operational issues and accumulation of fatigue damage.
Where the slurry pumps used for lifting operations are onboard the mobile offshore mining unit (eg.
onboard slurry support pumps), they are to comply with Subsections 5/1, 5/2, 5/3 and 5/5.
TABLE 1
Certification Details
Non-pump based lift systems (including air lift, 5 6/1 and 6/4.4
magnetic induction, continuous conveyor)
Note:
* = See Appendix 1-1-A3 of ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification – Offshore Units and Structures
** = See Subsection 6/1, applicable where no other industrial standard can be applied
1.1 General
i) Survey during construction of mobile offshore mining units are to be in accordance with Part 7,
Chapter 1 of the MOU Rules, as applicable.
Where the optional notation SM1 or SM2 is requested, subsea mining equipment and systems
carried or installed onboard the mining unit and exclusively used for subsea mining operations or
submerged in water during normal operations, are to be tested, surveyed and certified in
accordance with the applicable ABS requirements in this section or recognized national,
international or industrial codes/standards where not covered by the ABS requirements for
verification of their suitability for the specified design conditions.
ii) For subsea mining systems and equipment designed using the ABS Guidance Notes on Review
and Approval of Novel Concepts, 4/1.1 of that guidance note is to be used for Survey
requirements.
i) Subsea mining tools and associated systems are to be subjected to the following tests in
the presence of the Surveyor:
1.3 Survey of Subsea Mining Equipment and Systems During Manufacture (SM1 or SM2
Notation)
1.3.1 Test Plan
A test plan is to be developed by the manufacturer and submitted to ABS at the start of the plan
review process. Copies of the test plan are to be provided to ABS Survey Office responsible for
witnessing the tests and trials for the unit prior to performing any tests or trials. The test plan is to
identify all equipment and systems and the recommended method of performing the tests or trials
by the manufacturer.
All systems and equipment described in Section 5 and Section 6 are to be examined and tested to
the satisfaction of the attending Surveyor during construction and final installation on board in
accordance with the approved documentation and the above test plan.
Also see Section 5/Table 1 and Section 6/Table 1 for detailed survey requirements for ABS
approval of subsea mining systems, equipment, and/or components that require design approval
and survey.
Alarms and any other safety devices are to be tested and confirmed to be in operating condition.
Alarm interfaces are to be examined.
Subparagraphs 7/1.3.3 to 7/1.3.5 outline the additional survey requirements to be complied with at
the equipment manufacturer.
1.3.3 Documentation
The following documents are to be made available to the Surveyor, as applicable:
● Approved plans and review letters including any revisions addressing electrical, piping and
structural aspects of the design of equipment and any amendments noted during the technical
review addressed during the fabrication.
At the request of the manufacturer, an ABS Marking may be applied. The marking is to include
the ABS mark (✠), location of certification (port office prefix), and a unique identification
number generated by ABS.
i) Review test plan and emergency recovery plan per 7/1.3.1 of this Guide.
ii) Witness commissioning testing for of subsea mining systems and equipment.
iii) Visual and/or NDT examination of assembled and installed equipment per applicable
Rules or codes.
iv) Subsea mining tools lighting systems examination and test.
2.1 General
i) Survey after construction of mobile offshore mining units are to be in accordance with Part 7,
Chapter 2 of the MOU Rules, as applicable.
Where the optional notation SM1 or SM2 is requested, subsea mining equipment and systems
carried or installed onboard the mining unit and exclusively used for subsea mining operations or
submerged in water during normal operations are to be tested, surveyed and certified in
accordance with the applicable ABS requirements in this section or recognized national,
international or industrial codes/standards where not covered by the ABS requirements for
verification of their suitability for the specified design conditions.
ii) For subsea mining risers, flexible jumpers and return tailings pipes, special considerations are to
be given below.
a) For subsea mining risers to be retrieved regularly more than once in every 2.5 years, the
survey of the riser is to be carried out when the riser pipes are onboard. The survey after
construction is to follow the survey requirements for drilling riser in Chapter 8 of the
CDS Guide.
b) For subsea mining risers not to be retrieved regularly less than once in every 2.5 years,
the survey of the riser is to follow the survey requirements for production risers in
Subsection 6/5 of the Subsea Equipment Guide.
c) The survey of the flexible jumpers is recommended to be carried out when the flexible
jumpers are onboard. The survey of the flexible jumpers is to follow the survey
requirements for jumpers in Subsection 6/5 of the Subsea Equipment Guide.
d) For the return tailings pipes that are separated from the mining riser pipe, the survey
requirements for subsea mining risers also apply to return tailings pipes.
e) For the return tailings pipes that are bundled with the mining riser pipe, the survey
requirements for auxiliary lines in the Chapter 8 of the CDS Guide apply to return tailings
pipes.
iii) For subsea mining systems and equipment designed using the ABS Guidance Notes on Review
and Approval of Novel Concepts, 4/1.3 of that guidance note is to be used for Survey
requirements.
In addition to the above surveys, the following to be carried out in the presence of an ABS surveyor, as
applicable:
In addition to 7/2.2.1:
i) For subsea mining tools, applicable requirements in Section 21 of the Underwater Vehicles Rules
are to be complied with.
ii) Examination and testing of subsea mining electrical systems and related equipment.
iii) Satisfactory operational test of all subsea mining equipment alarms.
iv) Verify hydraulic oil cooling system condition and satisfactory operation.
v) Visual inspection of subsea temporary storage devices and associated hoses via ROV or when they
are retrieved onboard, if applicable.
In addition to the applicable requirements noted for Annual Surveys, the following is to be carried out in
the presence of an ABS surveyor:
When the optional SM2 notation is requested, retrieval of equipment and systems from the seabed
will be necessary for the Surveyor to perform examination, inspection and testing.
vii) Inspection of subsea temporary storage devices and associated hoses when they are
retrieved onboard.