Basic Guide to DNV-ST-E271 Compliance & HALEYS’ Solutions

 Introduction

The offshore industry demands robust, compliant, and high-performance equipment to ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency in extreme marine environments. Offshore containers, crucial for transporting cargo and equipment between supply vessels and offshore installations, must adhere to stringent certification standards to withstand harsh conditions. DNV-ST-E271 sets the global benchmark for engineering design, structural integrity, and operational safety.

This article explores how DNV-ST-E271 certification enhances offshore container reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset performance, while also highlighting HALEYS’ industry-leading offshore container solutions and engineering expertise.

 The Role of DNV-ST-E271 in Offshore Container Safety 

What Is DNV-ST-E271? 

This article explores how DNV-ST-E271 certification enhances offshore container reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset performance, while also highlighting HALEYS’ industry-leading offshore container solutions and engineering expertise.

DNV-ST-E271 is a globally recognized certification standard for offshore containers, ensuring compliance with: 

• • • IMO MSC/Circ.860 – Guidelines for offshore container handling in open seas.

    • ISO 10855 – Design, manufacturing, and inspection standards.

    • National and regional regulations governing offshore logistics and lifting operations.

This standard applies to freight containers, service modules, and offshore waste skips, offering a structured approach to engineering, material selection, welding, testing, and periodic inspections.

For companies engaged in offshore logistics, adhering to DNV-ST-E271 is critical to ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance.

 Structural Integrity & Material Requirements 

Key Design Considerations:  

Offshore containers endure high dynamic loads, extreme weather, and rough handling. To ensure structural integrity, DNV-ST-E271 mandates:

• • • Primary Structural Materials: High-strength, non-aging carbon steel, carbon-manganese, or micro-alloyed steel tested for impact resistance at -20°C. 

    •  Full Penetration Welding: All pad eyes and lifting points must undergo full penetration welds to withstand offshore lifting forces. 

    •  Corrosion Protection: Offshore containers require protective coatings, anti-corrosion treatment, and weatherproof sealing. 

    •  Impact Resistance: Designed to absorb ship deck movement forces and collision impact, ensuring long-term durability.

Engineering Standards for Lifting & Handling   

Offshore containers endure high dynamic loads, extreme weather, and rough handling. To ensure structural integrity, DNV-ST-E271 mandates:

• • • Pad Eyes: Engineered to accommodate sling angles up to 45°, preventing lateral bending stress.

    • Forklift Pockets: Minimum 200mm x 90mm, designed for stable and efficient handling.

    • Stacking Strength: Certified containers can be safely stacked up to two high in offshore conditions.

 Offshore Container Certification & Testing Requirements   

DNV-ST-E271 compliance is achieved through a rigorous certification and testing framework:

Prototype Testing (Pre-Certification)   

1. 1. 1. All-Point Lifting Test:

Containers are subjected to a 2.5x gross mass load using all pad eyes to assess stress distribution.

Maximum deflection must not exceed 1/300 of the span.

1. 1. 2.  Two-Point Lifting Test:

 Evaluates container stability when lifted diagonally using only two pad eyes.

Conducted with 1.5x rated load to simulate real-world offshore lifting.

1. 1. 3. Vertical Impact Test (Drop Test):

Containers are dropped from ≥5 cm height at ≥1.0 m/s.

Confirms resilience to sudden impact forces from vessel movement.

Production Testing (Batch Certification)   

• • • 10% of batch units undergo lifting and load-bearing verification.

    • ISO 1496-1 weatherproof testing ensures environmental resilience.

    • Forklift Handling and Stability Requirements verification ensures safe handling operations.

Periodic Inspections (Post-Certification Compliance)   

• • • Annual Visual Inspections incorporating Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).

    • 5-Year Load Testing & Re-certification post major repairs.

    • Mandatory Markings: Certified containers must display tare weight, payload capacity, and operational handling instructions.

 Why Compliance with DNV-ST-E271 Matters?

Operational Safety & Risk Mitigation   

• • • Reduces risks of lifting failures, structural deformations, and cargo loss.

    • Ensures safe handling during offshore lifting operations.

Regulatory Compliance & Engineering Excellence   

• • • Aligns with global IMO, ISO, and national safety regulations.

    • Provides legal and operational assurance for offshore contractors and operators.

Cost Efficiency & Asset Longevity   

• • • Reduces long-term repair and maintenance costs.

    • Ensures extended service life for offshore transport assets.

 HALEYS Setting the Industry Standard in Offshore Container Solutions   

As a leader in offshore engineering and logistics, HALEYS provides DNV-ST-E271 certified offshore container solutions, including: 

»   Design & Engineering of Offshore Containers – Leveraging the latest design software and engineering best practices to develop offshore containers that meet and exceed industry regulations.

»   Manufacturing & Fabrication – Producing custom-built and standard offshore containers using high-grade materials and certified processes to ensure durability and compliance.

»   Repair & Modification of In-Service Equipment – Enhancing container lifespan through structural reinforcements, retrofitting, and compliance upgrades.

»   Testing & Certification – Conducting rigorous load tests, structural evaluations, and full-scale inspections to maintain DNV-ST-E271 and industry-specific standards.

»   Offshore Container Rentals – Providing a diverse fleet of offshore containers, including cargo baskets, service containers, waste skips, and refrigerated (reefer) containers for short- and long-term leasing.

»   Partnership with Cargostore Worldwide – Ensuring access to world-class offshore container solutions with advanced engineering compliance. Offering rental solutions from rest of the world to Qatar.

Click here to know more about this partnership ↵

HALEYS ensures that every offshore container meets engineering excellence, safety compliance, and durability expectations for offshore environments.

 Raising the Standard in Offshore Container Engineering   

For offshore operators, DNV-ST-E271 certification is not just about compliance—it’s a necessity for operational success. By adhering to these standards, companies ensure zero compromise on safety, regulatory compliance, and asset performance.

With HALEYS’ industry-leading offshore container solutions, businesses can achieve enhanced safety, efficiency, and reliability while operating in demanding offshore conditions.

Is Your Offshore Container Fleet DNV-Compliant?  

For expert consultation on offshore container certification, rental solutions, and compliance, connect with HALEYS today to ensure your assets meet the highest engineering and safety standards.

C.S. Jassi is a seasoned engineering professional with 34 years of experience in the oil & gas and power sectors. As General Manager at HALEYS Group Middle East, he leads engineering, manufacturing, compliance, and quality assurance, ensuring adherence to ISO, API, ASME, ANSI, AISC, ASTM, BS, AWS, and DNV standards.

His expertise spans EPC projects, fabrication, welding, NDE, and integrity management, with extensive experience in manufacturing and handling pressure vessels, storage tanks, skids, IMDG tanks, and offshore containers. He specializes in welding, inspection, reverse engineering, and materials engineering, particularly in super duplex stainless steel, aluminum, Monel, and corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA).

A mechanical engineer with ASNT NDT Level III and IRCA Lead Auditor certifications, Jassi is dedicated to optimizing efficiency, enhancing safety, and implementing innovative engineering solutions. As an industry thought leader, he shares insights on certification, safety, and offshore asset management through technical articles, training programs, and industry discussions.