Summary
TLS A60 accommodation modules are portable, fire-rated, and weatherproof living containers designed to protect personnel and maintain operational continuity on offshore oil and gas platforms, wind farm substations, and marine vessels. Certified to withstand 60 minutes of direct structural fire exposure under international maritime standards (such as ABS and DNV), these modular units combine passive fire protection, acoustic insulation, HVAC climate control, and ergonomic interior layouts to support offshore workforces during extended deployments.
What Is an A60 Fire Rating in Offshore Accommodations?
The A60 standard defines a passive fire protection rating established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) FTP Code and certified by classification societies like the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and DNV.
- Fire Barrier Protection: An A60-rated bulkhead or deck prevents the passage of flame and smoke for 60 minutes.
- Thermal Insulation Limits: The unexposed side of the structure must not rise in temperature by more than 139°C (250°F) above ambient within the 60-minute window, preventing auto-ignition of interior materials during a major thermal event.
TLS builds its accommodation modules to comply strictly with these requirements, providing critical shelter during emergency evacuations or hydrocarbon fire scenarios.
Key Technical Specifications & Features
1. Fire, Gas, and Blast Protection
- Structural Rating: Built with heavy-duty marine-grade steel framing and A60 structural fire insulation.
- Overpressure & Gas Detection: Integrated positive-pressure HVAC systems prevent external hazardous gases or hydrocarbon vapors from entering living quarters.
- Integrated Safety Systems: Equipped with pre-wired fire and gas (F&G) detection systems, emergency shutdown (ESD) interfaces, and fire dampers.
2. Modular Scalability and Layout Flexibility
- Capacity Options: Available in single, double, quad, or 8-person sleeper configurations to accommodate varied crew sizes.
- Interconnection: Designed for stackable (up to multi-tier complexes) and linkable installation using standardized ISO corner castings and twist-locks.
- Multi-Purpose Configurations: Modules can be fitted as bedrooms, offices, recreation rooms, mess halls, or sanitary facilities (en-suite wet units).
3. Environmental Controls and Crew Comfort
- HVAC & Climate Control: Heavy-duty dual HVAC systems engineered for extreme ambient temperatures ranging from arctic cold to tropical heat.
- Acoustic Insulation: Noise-attenuating interior panelling reduces ambient marine and machinery noise to under 45–50 dB(A), improving sleep quality and reducing crew fatigue.
- Ergonomics & Durability: Furnished with high-density flame-retardant mattresses, integrated storage, marine-grade sanitary fixtures, and customizable workspaces.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Certification
TLS A60 modules comply with critical global offshore standards:
- IMO SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)
- ABS / DNV Classification Rules for offshore portable modules
Primary Applications Across Offshore Sectors
- Oil & Gas Platforms: Temporary living quarters (TLQ) during hook-up, commissioning, shutdown, or maintenance campaigns.
- Offshore Wind Farms: Living and office space for technicians on offshore converter stations, substations, and cable-laying vessels.
- Support & Service Vessels: Expansion quarters for accommodation work barges, ROV support ships, and pipelay vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose A60 modular accommodations over permanent structures?
A60 modular units offer rapid mobilization, flexible capacity adjustment, and lower capital expenditure compared to permanent structural modifications. They can be certified ashore, lifted via standard marine cranes, and integrated into existing vessel power and utility systems with minimal downtime.
How do A60 modules maintain air quality in hazardous environments?
TLS modules utilize positive-pressure HVAC units equipped with automatic gas detection shut-off dampers. If external airborne gas or smoke is detected, the HVAC automatically isolates fresh air intake and activates recirculating air filtration to maintain a safe atmosphere inside.
TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions.
Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.
More information about accommodation modules, offshore accommodation cabins, gallery module, mess module, etc. Please download the TLS accommodation modular brochure, TLS 20ft offshore accommodation container, and TLS ABS-approved offshore accommodation module brochure for reference.
An offshore workshop container is a heavy-duty, purpose-built modular enclosure engineered for maintenance and repair operations on offshore oil rigs, wind farm installations, and marine vessels. Unlike standard shipping containers or land-based workshops, an offshore unit is specifically certified and equipped to endure dynamic crane lifting, aggressive salt-spray corrosion, hazardous atmosphere exposures, and intense structural stress.
1. Core Engineering and Structural Requirements
To operate safely in harsh marine environments, an offshore workshop container relies on four primary engineering pillars:
Dynamic Lifting and Structural Integrity
- DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079 Certification: Offshore containers must withstand dynamic impact loads caused by ocean swells during vessel-to-rig crane transfers. Frames feature reinforced corner posts, integrated padeyes, and certified four-leg wire rope slings.
- Heavy Floor Loading Capacity: Internal floors are reinforced with heavy-duty steel chequered plates or anti-slip composite decking rated for heavy machinery (such as lathes, hydraulic presses, and pump spares).
C5-M Marine Anti-Corrosion Systems
- Surface Preparation: Structural steel undergoes ISO 8501-1 Sa 2.5 abrasive blast cleaning prior to coating application.
- Multi-Layer Paint Specification: Utilizes ISO 12944 C5-M paint systems—typically consisting of a zinc-rich epoxy primer, an intermediate epoxy tie-coat, and a UV-resistant polyurethane topcoat (total dry film thickness ≥ 280μm). External hardware, door hinges, and fasteners are fabricated from 316L stainless steel.
Internal Ergonomics and Equipment Restraints
- Vibration and Load Restraints: Workbenches, tool racks, and heavy machinery are welded directly to the structural framework or secured with heavy-duty tie-down points to prevent equipment movement during high-sea transit.
- Spatial Efficiency: Incorporates wall-mounted tool boards, lockable drawer units, overhead gantry cranes, and cable routing channels to maximize floor space for technicians.
Electrical and Utility System Integration
- Ex-Proof Equipment Options: When deployed in Zone 1 or Zone 2 hazardous areas, electrical systems utilize ATEX/IECEx-certified explosion-proof junction boxes, lighting, and HVAC units.
- Power Distribution: Includes multi-voltage transformers (e.g., converting 440V/480V down to 220V/110V), pneumatic air lines, emergency stop circuits, and external shore-power connections.
2. Standard Container vs. Offshore Workshop Container
Structural Standard
- Standard Land Workshop: ISO 1496 (designed for static stacking and land logistics).
- Offshore Workshop: DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079 (certified for dynamic marine crane lifting at sea).
Corrosion Protection
- Standard Land Workshop: Standard alkyd or acrylic industrial paint coatings.
- Offshore Workshop: C5-M Multi-layer Marine Epoxy/Polyurethane System over Sa 2.5 blast cleaning.
Lifting Mechanism
- Standard Land Workshop: Corner castings for forklifts or top spreaders.
- Offshore Workshop: Certified Padeyes with DNV-certified Four-Leg Wire Rope Sling Assemblies.
Hazardous Area Options
- Standard Land Workshop: Unrated (suitable for Safe Areas only).
- Offshore Workshop: ATEX / IECEx Zone 1 & Zone 2 Options available.
Fire Protection
- Standard Land Workshop: Non-rated or basic thermal insulation.
- Offshore Workshop: SOLAS A60 Fire-Rated Walls & Doors (optional).
3. Key Industrial Applications
- Offshore Oil and Gas Rigs: Serves as a dedicated mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic repair hub on drilling rigs, FPSO, and fixed platforms.
- Offshore Wind Farm Maintenance: Accommodates wind turbine technicians, specialty tooling, and electrical diagnostics during offshore installation and maintenance.
- Marine Subsea and ROV Operations: Houses subsea tool maintenance gear, hydraulic power units, and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) spare parts.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary difference between ISO containers and DNV 2.7-1 offshore containers?
Answer: ISO containers are designed solely for static stacking and standardized freight transport. DNV 2.7-1 containers are certified for dynamic offshore crane lifting at sea, featuring higher structural yield strength, specialized padeyes, and rigorous non-destructive testing (NDT) during manufacture.
How is corrosion managed on offshore workshop containers?
Answer: Corrosion is mitigated through hot-dip galvanization or multi-layer C5-M marine coating systems applied over Sa 2.5 sandblasted steel. Stainless steel 316L hardware is used for external fasteners, door hinges, and junction boxes.
What information is required to design an offshore workshop container?
Answer: Essential design inputs include: total footprint dimensions (e.g., 10ft, 20ft), total payload/equipment weight, operating ambient temperatures, electrical voltage requirements, hazardous area classification (Safe Area vs. Zone 1/2), and certification requirements (DNV 2.7-1, ABS, Lloyd's Register).
TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions.
Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.
Product brochures:
Offshore total pressurised container solutions
Offshore pressurised mud logging cabin brochure
MCC | Switchgear | VFD | VSD pressurised shelter
A TLS Ex-Proof Positive Pressurized Container (also known as a pressurized module or cabin) is a specialized safety enclosure engineered for hazardous operational environments classified as Zone 1 and Zone 2. The unit operates by continuously drawing clean, non-contaminated air into the container using explosion-proof fans. This creates an internal atmospheric pressure slightly higher than the surrounding ambient environment (a positive pressure barrier), physically preventing combustible gases, toxic vapors, and hazardous dust from entering, thereby safeguarding non-explosion-proof electrical equipment and personnel inside.
1. Core Safety Mechanisms and Working Principles
The pressurized containment design removes the "fuel" leg of the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, ignition source) through three integrated mechanisms:
- Positive Pressure Differential Barrier: An explosion-proof fan system draws fresh air from a safe, non-hazardous location and pumps it into the container. Because air naturally flows from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, higher internal pressure ensures that air continuously pushes outward through door openings or seal imperfections, blocking external flammable gases (such as methane CH4 or hydrogen sulfide H2S) from migrating inward.
- Smart Monitoring & Emergency Shutdown (CPFG & ESD): The system is managed by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-driven Combined Pressurisation Fire & Gas (CPFG) panel. The CPFG panel constantly monitors real-time internal pressure, oxygen levels, combustible gas levels, and smoke. If internal pressure drops below the required safety threshold or if gas is detected at the intake, the system triggers audible and visual alarms and initiates an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) sequence, automatically cutting power to all non-explosion-proof internal electronics to prevent ignition.
- Air Filtration & Climate Control (HVAC): Integrated Zone 1/Zone 2 certified HVAC systems continuously filter, cool, and dehumidify intake air. This ensures suitable operating temperatures for high-density power electronics and maintains air quality and thermal comfort for human operators.
2. Technical Specifications and International Certifications
TLS pressurized containers are built to comply with international maritime, offshore, and explosion-protection standard codes:
Hazardous Area & Explosion Protection Standards
- Area Classification: Suitable for installation in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified hazardous locations.
- Pressurization Standard: Designed in accordance with IEC 60079-13 (Equipment protection by pressurized room 'p' and artificially ventilated room 'v'), ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, and IECEx certification requirements.
- Fire Resistance: Structural walls and doors are rated up to SOLAS A60, providing a 60-minute thermal insulation and fire barrier.
Structural & Offshore Transportation Codes
- Offshore Lifting: Certified under DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079 standards for dynamic offshore hoisting, wave impact resistance, and structural integrity.
- ISO Container Freight Codes: Compliant with CSC (International Convention for Safe Containers) and ISO 1496 for global intermodal logistics.
- Third-Party Verification: Class certification options are available from international bodies such as DNV, Bureau Veritas (BV), or Lloyd's Register (LR).
3. Key Industrial Applications
TLS positive pressurized containers are customized for modular deployment across offshore oil and gas platforms, FPSOs, chemical plants, and mining sites:
- MWD / LWD & Mud Logging Cabins: Provide an isolated, flameproof environment for geological technicians and sensitive data acquisition systems on onshore and offshore drilling rigs.
- Motor Control Center (MCC) & Switchgear Shelters: Houses high-voltage electrical equipment, variable frequency drives (VFD), and switchboards, preventing electrical arcing from triggering external gas explosions.
- ROV Control & Support Cabins: Serve as an A60-rated, pressurized control hub for operators managing Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) in subsea operations.
- Offshore Chemical Laboratories: Configured with specialized ventilation to house gas chromatographs and analytical equipment. Systems can be engineered for positive pressure (preventing external gas ingress) or negative pressure (preventing internal chemical spill vapors from escaping into surrounding areas).
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary difference between a pressurized container and an explosion-proof (Ex-d) enclosure?
Answer: An explosion-proof (Ex-d) enclosure uses a heavy, reinforced casing designed to contain an internal explosion without allowing flames or hot gases to ignite the surrounding environment. A positive-pressure container prevents explosive gases from entering the space altogether, allowing standard, non-explosion-proof industrial gear (e.g., commercial servers, PLC, display monitors) to be safely installed inside.
What happens if a door is opened or a pressure leak occurs?
Answer: The integrated CPFG panel tracks internal pressure status in real time. If a door opens, fan speeds automatically ramp up to maintain outward airflow. If pressure drops below the safety setpoint for longer than a designated delay, a low-pressure alarm sounds, and the system activates the ESD relay to disconnect non-certified equipment from primary power.
What container footprints and dimensions are available?
Answer: TLS manufactures units in standard ISO sizes (10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, 30 ft, and 40 ft footprints), as well as fully customized engineering dimensions, blast-rated structures, and multi-cabin modular complexes tailored to specific spatial constraints and weight limits.
TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions.
Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.
Product brochures:
Offshore total pressurised container solutions
