The new class notation is voluntary and has been introduced to give owners an independent review and control of the intervention equipment. In this way, DNV sets a common standard and increases safety and provides assurance to both the owners and oil companies.

The WELL class notation covers the well intervention systems and equipment. This includes initial certification and annual survey of well intervention systems and equipment by DNV surveyors on board the unit. The WELL class notation will follow normal classification procedures and is aimed at owners wishing to provide assurance that their well intervention equipment has been certified by DNV.

This is a change from the existing ‘Well Intervention Unit I and II’ class notations, where the well intervention equipment were covered by the vessel class notation. Now, the specific requirements for the unit itself related to well systems and equipment have been moved to the additional WELL class notation.

With the introduction of the new voluntary WELL class notation together with a revised option for the type of units categorized as ‘Well Intervention Units’, DNV now offers the owners of well intervention units the same options available to the owners of drilling or other special type units. The WELL class notation will be used by owners wishing to provide assurance that their vessels comply with internationally recognized standards for well intervention systems and equipment. This will be a mark of quality for the unit which also can be used to profile the vessels in the market.