ISO 18647:2017

Overview - ISO 18647:2017 (Modular drilling rigs for offshore fixed platforms)

ISO 18647:2017 specifies requirements for the design, fabrication, installation, commissioning and integrity management of modular drilling rigs installed on offshore fixed platforms in the petroleum and natural gas industries. The standard covers modularized drilling systems that can be lifted and assembled offshore, including drilling and support equipment such as derricks/masts, hoisting and rotary systems, power and electrical systems, mud and cement handling, and well control interfaces. It applies to equipment intended for long‑term use on new fixed structures or temporary use across multiple platforms, but excludes rigs installed on mobile offshore units or equipment intended primarily for onshore use.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Functional equipment: requirements for hoisting, rotary, circulation and solids control, mud/cement mixing and storage, well control, BOP handling, pipe handling and auxiliary systems.
• Design considerations: rig rating, derrick/mast configuration, maximum hook load, drill floor clearances, top drive and circulation system provisions.
• Structural design: structural simulation, design checks, material selection and skid rail strength analysis for modular skid‑mounted systems.
• Construction and assembly: planning, fabrication tolerances, welding and NDT inspection, piping prefabrication, outfitting and installation of rotating/hoisting equipment.
• Corrosion and integrity management: corrosion control measures, maintenance and long‑term integrity considerations for offshore exposure.
• Interfaces: seawater/freshwater, fuel, compressed air, electrical and instrument communication, well control and safety system interfaces to the host platform.
• Health, safety and operational considerations: escape and alarm systems, hazardous area classification, fire/explosion protection and safety equipment requirements.

Practical applications and who uses ISO 18647:2017

• Drilling contractors and rig designers use the standard to specify and validate modular rig packages that can be mobilized and connected to fixed platforms.
• EPC contractors and fabricators apply it during fabrication, assembly and offshore hook‑up to ensure module fit, welding/NDT and skid rail integrity.
• Platform operators and asset owners adopt it for procurement, commissioning, maintenance and integrity management of modular drilling systems.
• Regulators, classification societies and safety engineers reference the standard when assessing compliance, safety interfaces and well control integration.
• Maintenance and inspection teams use it to guide corrosion control, inspection regimes and removal/abandonment planning.

Related standards and topics (for procurement and compliance)

• Standards covering well control and BOP systems, pressure equipment, electrical installations, welding/NDT, and offshore structural design are commonly referenced alongside ISO 18647:2017 to ensure full regulatory and technical compliance.