Risk consultancy Marex has delivered a comprehensive solution for a major offshore wind farm operator facing complex regulatory hurdles with the transport of compressed nitrogen.
The project has provided the client with the clarity needed to maintain safety, efficiency and project timelines within the fast-paced renewable energy sector.
Solving the dual coding dilemma
The challenge centred on a fleet of crew transfer vessels (CTVs) operating under “dual coding”, so they can be classified as either a workboat or a high-speed offshore service craft. This distinction created significant uncertainty regarding the number of technicians allowed on board while simultaneously carrying 38-litre nitrogen bottles, which are essential for offshore maintenance.
As Marex already provided regular audits for this fleet, their marine consultants were able to leverage existing data and certification history to provide a rapid analysis.
Expert guidance for complex regulations
Navigating maritime coding can be notoriously confusing. The Marex team identified that while many vessels hold a Document of Compliance (DoC) for dangerous goods under one classification, the standards for the other are far more rigorous.
“Information is only valuable if it is understood by those on the front line,” said Marex managing director Wayne Henderson.
“We did not simply deliver a report, we ensured the findings were integrated into the client’s operational culture.”
The result: safety, assurance and compliance
To resolve the confusion, Marex provided a clear, two-tiered solution:
- Use the vessel as a workboat while carrying dangerous goods, allowing for up to 12 industrial personnel.
- Ensure vessels have a specific DoC to enable them to carry dangerous goods as a high-speed offshore craft.
Beyond the initial analysis, Marex produced a 16-page technical guidance document and conducted face-to-face briefings with the marine assurance manager and site deputies. By explaining the nuances of these certifications, Marex enabled the operator to make informed commercial decisions regarding their charter requirements.
By choosing Marex, the operator secured three key benefits:
- operational clarity: a clear understanding of which vessels can carry nitrogen without compromising technician throughput.
- regulatory confidence: guidance endorsed by technical experts that stands up to maritime audits.
- risk mitigation: specific advice on personnel training to ensure all crew members understand the limits of their vessel’s coding.
Marex continues to lead the way in ensuring that essential equipment and the technicians who use it reach offshore sites safely and legally. You can find out more about Marex services here >> https://www.mmass.co.uk/our-services