Clasification Society Rulefinder 2016 - Version 9.25
Clasification Society Provisional Rules - Provisional Rules for the Construction and Classification of Submarine Pipelines, January 2008 - Chapter 1 Provisional Rules for the Construction and Classification of Submarine Pipelines - Section 2 Character of classification and notation

Section 2 Character of classification and notation

2.1 Character symbols

2.1.1 All pipelines, when classed, will be assigned one or more character symbols as applicable.

2.1.2 A full list of character symbols for which pipelines may be eligible is as follows:

= This distinguishing mark will be assigned, at the time of classing, to new pipeline constructed under LR's Special Survey, in compliance with the Rules, and to the satisfaction of the Committee.
OP = These character letters will be assigned to all pipelines built in accordance with these Provisional Rules.
100A = This character letter will be assigned to all pipelines which have been built or accepted into class in accordance with LR's Rules and Regulations, and are considered suitable to operate offshore and which are maintained in good and efficient condition.

2.2 Class notation

2.2.1 In addition to the character symbols all pipelines complying with the requirements of this chapter and with all relevant Rule requirements will be eligible to be assigned a class notation. The class notation will either be decided by the Committee or may be proposed by an Owner for consideration by the Committee. The class notation will consist of one of, or a combination of, a type notation, an area notation and a service limits notation.

2.2.2 Class notation definitions are as follows:

  1. Type Notation. A notation defining the function of a pipeline and indicating that it has been designed and constructed in compliance with the Rules:

    e.g.

    • Chemical pipeline
    • Methanol pipeline
    • Oil pipeline
    • Gas pipeline
    • Water injection pipeline
    • Oil riser.
  2. Area notation. A notation indicating the geographical area in which the pipeline is installed: e.g. North Sea or Gulf of Mexico. Location coordinates defining the extent of the pipeline are to be given.

  3. Service limits notation. A notation indicating that the pipeline has been classed on the understanding that the principal operating limits assigned, will not be exceeded: e.g. maximum operating pressure 150Bar, maximum design temperature 90°C.

2.2.3 Typical examples of character and notations of class are:

OP 100A = Oil Pipeline, North Sea, Maximum operating pressure 150Bar, Maximum design temperature 90°C.
Shore coordinates 57° 30' 45" N
  1° 50' 30" W
Offshore coordinates 59° 50' 30" N
  2° 10' 45" E
OP 100A = Gas Pipeline, New Zealand, Maximum operating pressure 170Bar, Maximum design temperature 60°C.
Shore coordinates 39° 50' 30" S
  174° 20' 45" E
Offshore coordinates 39° 30' 15" S
  173° 30' 50" E

2.2.4  Descriptive Notes. In addition to any class notations, appropriate descriptive notes may be entered in column 1 of the Offshore Register indicating the type of pipeline in greater detail than is contained in the class notation, e.g. diameter, throughput, hydrotest pressure, earthquake design etc. A descriptive note is not a LR classification notation and is provided solely for the information of users of the Offshore Register.


Copyright 2016 Clasification Society, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasification Society, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasification Society'. Clasification Society Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasification Society entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.