Direct Answer
When selecting an offshore accommodation module, first define the number of occupants, installation location, fire-protection requirements, offshore lifting conditions and platform interfaces. Size and bed capacity alone are not sufficient selection criteria.
TLS provides customised accommodation, office, galley, mess and sanitary modules. TLS accommodation modules can be configured for 1–8 people, with options including beds, storage lockers, en-suite bathrooms, hot-water systems, air conditioning, workspaces, fire and gas detection, and quick connection to platform services. Depending on the project scope, modules can be engineered to meet requirements such as DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079, A60 fire rating or applicable ABS guidelines.
How Is an Offshore Accommodation Module Different from a Standard Portable Building?
An offshore accommodation module must provide a suitable living environment while also supporting offshore transport, lifting, deck installation, exposure to salt-laden air and emergency evacuation.
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Key area |
Offshore accommodation module requirement |
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Structure and lifting |
Offshore lifting points, lifting slings, dynamic loads and deck securing |
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Fire protection |
A60 or other fire-rated divisions, as required by the approved layout |
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Safety systems |
Connection to platform fire and gas alarms and emergency systems |
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Environmental control |
HVAC designed for humidity, salt-laden air and continuous occupancy |
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Utility systems |
Power, lighting, water supply, drainage, hot water and sanitary facilities |
Key conclusion: A standard land-based portable building should not be used as offshore accommodation unless its structure, fire safety and lifting arrangements have been verified for the intended offshore application.
What Five Factors Should Be Confirmed Before Selection?
1. Occupancy and Function
Define the normal occupancy, shift pattern and required functions, such as sleeping, office, dining and sanitary areas. Bed capacity must also account for evacuation routes, storage, cleaning access and maintenance space.
2. Fire Protection and Certification
DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079 primarily address the design, manufacture, testing and safe lifting of offshore containers. An A60 rating addresses the fire integrity and insulation performance of an approved division. These requirements serve different purposes and must be specified separately for each project.
3. HVAC
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning should be designed around occupancy, outdoor temperature and humidity, fresh-air demand, internal heat loads and noise limits. Sanitary areas also require appropriate extraction to prevent odours from entering occupied spaces.
4. Platform Interfaces
Confirm the interfaces for power, communications, water supply, drainage, hot water, fire alarms and public-address or general-alarm systems. Factory-installed equipment reduces onsite work, but it does not eliminate connection, integration and testing after delivery.
5. Installation and Module Connection
TLS modules can be supplied with twist locks, deck-mounting pads and module-linking kits. Stacked or connected arrangements still require project-specific review of deck loads, structural connections, fire boundaries and escape routes.
What Information Does TLS Need for a Quotation?
- Project type, module function and number of occupants;
- General arrangement, dimensions and weight limits;
- Installation location, environmental conditions and hazardous-area classification;
- DNV, EN 12079, A60, ABS or other applicable requirements;
- HVAC, furniture, sanitary and fire-safety configurations;
- Platform utility and control-system interfaces;
- Required quantity, delivery location and delivery schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can an A60 accommodation module be installed directly in a Zone 2 area?
Not automatically. A60 addresses fire protection, while Zone 2 classification addresses ignition risks in a potentially explosive gas atmosphere. Pressurisation, hazardous-area electrical equipment and loss-of-pressure shutdown logic must be assessed separately.
2. How many people can one offshore accommodation module house?
TLS offers customised accommodation solutions for 1–8 people. Final capacity depends on module dimensions, bed layout, sanitary facilities, evacuation space and project approval requirements.
3. Can multiple accommodation modules be connected?
Yes. However, the combined arrangement must be reviewed as one system for structural connections, fire zones, evacuation, HVAC, water and drainage, and platform interfaces.
4. What is the most important information to provide before requesting a quotation?
The essential inputs are the occupancy and function schedule, general arrangement, installation environment, certification requirements and platform interfaces. Clear project data enables a more accurate technical proposal and quotation.
Conclusion
Selecting an offshore accommodation module means balancing personnel needs with offshore lifting, fire safety and platform integration. Define the occupancy, functions and installation conditions first; then determine the module dimensions, certification scope and internal configuration.
Contact TLS Offshore Containers to request a preliminary technical review or quotation.
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