Summary:
EN 12079 is a European standard that ensures the safety, durability, and compliance of offshore reefer containers used in marine transport. It covers design, construction, testing, and certification. It aligns closely with DNV 2.7-1 and later evolved into ISO 10855 for global standardisation.
Offshore reefer containers undergo rigorous tests such as lift, impact, and tilt tests to meet structural integrity requirements. EN 12079-certified containers are widely used in oil & gas, petrochemicals, and offshore logistics. Organisations previously following EN 12079 should now refer to EN ISO 10855 for compliance with IMO MSC / Circular 860 and SOLAS regulations.
Introduction
EN 12079 is a critical European standard that ensures the safety, durability, and compliance of offshore reefer containers used in marine transport. These containers play a crucial role in offshore logistics, particularly in industries such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals.
This guide explores the EN 12079 standard, its testing procedures, and its relationship with other standards like DNV 2.7-1 and ISO 10855.
What is EN 12079
In 1991, the European Committee for standardisation, CEN, started developing a European Standard (EN) on offshore containers.
The committee prepared EN 12079 which was originally issued in 1999 and revised and replaced with the 2006 edition.
The design, testing, and manufacturing requirements of EN 12079-certified containers are directly based on the DNV Standard for Certification 2.7-1, a globally recognised offshore container standard.
EN 12079 consists of three parts. Offshore reefer containers and lifting sets certified to comply with DNV 2.7-1 also comply fully with EN 12079 parts 1 and 2. This is reflected inon our container offshore certificates.
EN 12079 certification requirements
To be EN 12079 compliant, offshore reefer containers must adhere to three key parts:
- Part 1 – Design, construction, and marking of offshore containers.
- Part 2 – Testing requirements, including structural integrity and lifting tests.
- Part 3 – Periodic inspection, maintenance, and certification.
As reflected in offshore container certificates, containers that meet DNV 2.7-1 certification automatically comply with EN 12079 Parts 1 and 2.
How are offshore reefer containers tested?
Before certification, offshore reefer containers undergo a type approval process, which includes prototype construction and rigorous testing to ensure compliance.
Testing
- Four-point lift test– Lifting with all pad eyes to test load stability.
- Two-point lift test – using opposed pad eyes to ensure lifting safety
- A vertical impact test – Simulating shock loads encountered during operations
- A tilt test – Evaluating stability at different angles
- Tanks for dangerous cargoes shall, in addition, be tested with all the requirements of the IMDG code.
What is a DNV 2.7-1 Offshore Reefer Container?
DNV 2.7-1 offshore reefer containers are certified, temperature-controlled units designed for repeated transport of sensitive cargo in harsh offshore environments. They meet strict DNV safety and structural standards. A DNV 2.7.1 offshore container has a mobile unit having a maximum gross mass of not more than 25000 kg that is built for the transportation of goods or equipment across open seas, too, from, or between fixed and/or floating facilities and ships.
Units for offshore lifting that are designed for installation rather than repetitive transportation are not considered containers.
EN 12079 vs. DNV 2.7-1 standards: What’s the difference?
Many offshore reefer containers comply with both EN 12079 and DNV 2.7-1, but key differences exist:
|
Feature |
EN 12079 Offshore Containers |
DNV 2.7-1 Offshore Containers |
|
Certification body |
European Committee for Standardization (CEN) |
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) |
|
Focus |
European standard for offshore containers |
Global standard for offshore reefer containers |
|
Compliance |
Requires compliance with ISO 10855 |
Requires compliance with IMO MSC/Circular 860 |
|
Inspection Requirements |
Regular in-service inspections |
Periodic inspections with DNV standards |
Why does it matter? Offshore operators must ensure their containers comply with both standards for international usability and regulatory compliance.
How does ISO 10855 relate to EN 12079 standards?
The EN ISO 10855 ‘Offshore containers and associated lifting sets’ series, adopted by CEN in 2018, consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Design, manufacture, and marking of offshore containers.
- Part 2: Design, manufacture, and marking of lifting sets.
- Part 3: Periodic inspection, examination, and testing of offshore containers and lifting sets
As a whole, this series of standards describes the requirements for the design, construction, inspection, testing, and in-service examinations of offshore containers and lifting sets used in the petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. By aligning with ISO 10855, EN ISO 10855 ensures that offshore containers comply with globally recognised safety and certification standards.
Harmonisation with EN12079
EN-ISO 10855 adopts the international ISO 10855 series at the European levels. It replaces the previous European standard, EN 12079, which covered similar requirements for offshore containers. EN ISO 10855 was introduced to harmonise European regulations with global standards, incorporating elements from EN 12079 while ensuring compliance with international frameworks such as IMO MSC / Circular 860 and SOLAS.
As a result, organisations previously following EN 12079 should now refer to EN ISO 10855 to meet the latest internationally accepted safety and performance criteria.
The ISO standard was developed by combining existing European, American, and classification body standards into a single harmonised agreement. This standardisation ensures global interoperability, reduces regulatory conflicts and simplifies compliance for offshore container manufacturers and operators.
Its adoption in Europe benefits the offshore industry by providing a standardised, internationally accepted framework for offshore container design and certification. This enhances interoperability, safety, and cost efficiency across a global sector where standardised regulations are essential.
Expert insights: Ron Winands on ISO 10855 compliance
Ron Winands, Board Director at Control Union Testing & Inspection, who contributed to the development of ISO 10855, highlights its importance:
Under conditions in which offshore containers are often transported and handled, the ‘normal’ rate of wear and tear is high resulting in damage for which repair will be needed.
However, offshore containers designed, manufactured, and periodically inspected according to the EN ISO 10855 series should have sufficient strength to withstand the normal forces encountered in offshore operations.”
ISO 10855 & Compliance with IMO and SOLAS
The ISO 10855 standard series also ensures that offshore containers comply with the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This includes compliances with the design, construction, manufacturing standards, inspection, testing, and in-service examination protocols for offshore operations.
Unlike other certification standards, EN ISO 10855 does not duplicate existing IMO regulations. Instead, it aligns with:
- IMO MSC / Circular 860, which mandates national certification for offshore containers.
- SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention), ensuring offshore container safety in extreme maritime conditions.
For instance, IMO MSC / Circular 860 already requires certification of offshore containers by national administrations or organisations duly authorised by the administration. Indeed, the certificate of conformity as described in EN ISO 10855 complies with IMO MSC / Circular 860: a good example of how standardization contributes to compliance with regulation.
The EN ISO 10855, developed in the framework of ISO, was published by CEN/TC 12 ‘Materials, equipment and offshore structures for petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries’, whose Secretariat is held by NEN, the Netherlands’ National Standardization Body, with CYS, Cyprus’ National Standardization Body, as twinning Secretariat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an EN 12079 offshore reefer container?
An EN 12079 offshore reefer container is a temperature-controlled shipping container certified for offshore use, designed to comply with European safety and durability standards.
How does EN 12079 differ from DNV 2.7-1 in offshore container certification?
EN 12079 is a European certification, while DNV 2.7-1 is an internationally recognised standard. Both ensure offshore container safety, but DNV 2.7-1 is more widely used globally.
What are the testing procedures for EN 12079-certified offshore reefer containers?
Testing includes:
- Four-Point Lift Test – Checks structural strength.
- Two-Point Lift Test – Ensures stability.
- Vertical Impact Test – Tests durability.
- Tilt Test – Evaluates balance.
- IMDG Code Testing – Ensures safety for hazardous cargo.
What materials are used in EN 12079-compliant offshore containers?
EN 12079 offshore containers are constructed using high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term durability in marine environments. Corten steel is commonly used for frames and walls due to its superior resistance to saltwater corrosion.
Stainless steel is often used in reefer containers to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent rusting. Some containers also use aluminium for lightweight applications and high-performance insulation materials are included in reefer containers to maintain temperature control for perishable cargo.
Why is EN 12079 certification important for offshore shipping?
It ensures that offshore reefer containers meet strict safety, durability, and performance requirements, preventing damage during maritime transportation.
Can an EN 12079 container be used for hazardous cargo?
Yes! EN 12079-compliant containers carrying dangerous goods must meet IMDG Code requirements and undergo additional safety tests.
What industries use EN 12079-certified offshore containers?
- Oil & gas exploration
- Offshore wind farms
- Petrochemical logistics
- Maritime transport
Conclusion
EN 12079-certified offshore reefer containers are essential for safely transporting cargo across offshore environments. Compliance with ISO 10855 and DNV 2.7-1 ensures that these containers meet global safety and durability standards.
Business Director
A graduate (Business) from KDU, Jason Tan, is the current Business Director (Sales) for MGS Icestorm and has been associated with the company for the past 10 years.
With over 13 years in the shipping industry, he has had a significant contribution to Malaysia’s oil and gas industry in the engine and boat supply sector.
His expertise includes managing offshore catering business, offshore reefer containers, AI technology, offshore gas tanks, A60 pressurized cabins, etc. His contributions have helped establish MGS, in partnership (joint venture) with Thermo King and Honeywell to produce state of art Offshore Reefer Container products.