Any offshore project managers working with offshore energy sources will need to be familiar with High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technologies in the coming years. The Maritime Executive recently reported on an international effort that has published a Recommended Practice document for using high voltage at offshore work stations.

The group that published this document, DNV GL, collaborated with other industry entities including Statoil and Elia, to determine a set of criteria for classifying different forms of voltage technology. DNV GL reportedly derived the basis of this practice document from its previous track record with qualifications for other kinds of energy technology. This document will be useful for both traditional oil and gas operations and offshore wind farm projects.

The source quotes DNV GL's Peter Vaessen, who described the impact this is expected to have on HVDC projects in the future.

"Implementation of new technology always introduces uncertainties that imply risk for its developers, manufacturers and end-users," he said. "With this technology qualification, we enable our customers to provide the evidence that the technology used will function within the specified limits with an acceptable level of confidence."

Sea-based wind projects are becoming particularly more common throughout the world. Not only has Japan been investigating this, but countries like Germany and the UK have their own projects currently developing interest. The latter is an especially vital place, since according to Bloomberg, the area off the coast of Britain has "more installed turbines at sea than the rest of the world put together."

These standards will also be of interest to workers in traditional coastal gas processing areas, so oilfield insurance should be a priority.

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