Is DNV 2.7-1 a Standard or a Certification? Common Misconceptions About Offshore Containers

Created on 07.27

White shipping containers with labeled doors, placed outdoors on a concrete surface under a clear sky.

In offshore equipment procurement and project communications, we often hear customers mention "DNV-certified containers" or "DNV standard containers." While these terms may be used interchangeably in everyday conversation, in technical and compliance terms they refer to completely different concepts. A clear understanding of these distinctions is essential for ensuring equipment compliance, controlling project costs, and managing risks.

Misconception 1: DNV 2.7-1 Is a Certification

This is the most common misunderstanding in the industry. In fact, DNV 2.7-1 is not a certification body or a certificate – it is a technical standard.

Its full name is DNV-ST-E2.7-1 Offshore Containers, developed by DNV (Det Norske Veritas). This standard specifies in detail the technical requirements for the design, materials, manufacturing, testing, and marking of offshore containers, aimed at ensuring safety during offshore lifting, transport, and platform operations.

Think of it this way: DNV 2.7-1 is the "exam syllabus" – it defines what is tested and what the passing criteria are. The "certification" that customers often refer to is the final "graduation certificate" – a compliance certificate issued by a classification society.

Therefore, a more accurate project requirement would be: "We need offshore containers compliant with DNV 2.7-1," rather than "We need DNV-certified containers."

Misconception 2: Compliance with DNV 2.7-1 Requires Certification from DNV

This is another common misunderstanding. Not all products compliant with DNV 2.7-1 must be certified by DNV itself.

Several internationally recognized classification societies, including Lloyd's Register (LR), the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Bureau Veritas (BV), are qualified to review designs, inspect production, and issue compliance certificates based on DNV 2.7-1.

Therefore, an offshore container can be:

Designed and manufactured to DNV 2.7-1
Reviewed and certified by LR, ABS, BV, or another recognized society

As long as the classification society is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), its certificate is generally widely accepted in international offshore and shipping projects and can equally satisfy technical requirements.

Misconception 3: DNV 2.7-1 Applies to All Offshore Equipment

This misconception can lead to applying inappropriate or overly stringent standards, increasing unnecessary costs. DNV 2.7-1 primarily applies to equipment used for loading, transporting, and storing cargo, such as:

Offshore containers
Cargo baskets / Offshore baskets
Tool containers
Cargo carrying units

However, if equipment systems (such as electrical cabinets, communication base stations, or generator sets) are installed inside the container, its classification changes from a "cargo box" to an "equipment module." In such cases, the applicable standard is likely not DNV 2.7-1, but rather DNV-ST-E273 (DNV 2.7-3), which addresses offshore service modules.

Choosing the correct standard is more important than pursuing a higher-level certification.

LongTeng Industrial's Practice and Recommendations

Based on our experience in manufacturing and servicing offshore equipment, here are our key points and recommendations regarding DNV 2.7-1:

Define Requirements Clearly

: At the project's outset, determine whether the product is intended for "cargo transport and storage" or "equipment integration and operation." This is the first step in selecting the appropriate standard.

Focus on the Standard Itself

: The core requirement is that the equipment "complies with DNV 2.7-1," not that it was "certified by DNV." As long as the certifying society is an IACS member, its certification is generally equivalent for most project requirements.

Evaluate Overall Cost and Timeline

: The certification processes, lead times, and costs vary among classification societies. A pragmatic approach is to select a partner society that offers a balance of authority, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while meeting project requirements.

Verify Certificate Validity

: Upon receiving certification, check that it is valid, confirm that it corresponds to the supplied equipment (e.g., serial numbers, specifications), and ensure the issuing society is an accepted body for your project.

Professional project management in the offshore industry lies in accurately understanding standards and specifications. We are dedicated to helping our clients clarify these key concepts, ensuring that every piece of equipment we deliver meets the safety and operational requirements of the harsh offshore environment through the correct compliance pathway.

If you have questions about which standards apply to a specific project or about certification pathways, please feel free to contact us. We can provide tailored reference advice.

LongTeng Group is a private owned enterprise group involves in designing, manufacturing, trading and transporting of ISO dry cargo container, special container and house container, reefer container, tank container. Also provide container spare parts for repairing and manufacturing new container. The group have exported to over 60 countries. The total annual production capacity is 120,000 TEU of ISO Containers.