If you work in offshore oil and gas, you’ve seen the DNV 2.7-1 certification stamp on containers. But what does it actually mean — and why do procurement teams, HSE managers and project engineers insist on DNV 2.7-1 certification before approving any offshore lifting operation? This guide explains the standard, what it covers, and how to verify compliance before your next project.
What Is DNV 2.7-1?
DNV 2.7-1 is the offshore container standard published by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), one of the world’s leading classification and certification bodies. It defines the design, construction, testing and marking requirements for containers intended for use in offshore lifting operations — from supply vessels to platform decks.
The standard covers containers up to 25,000 kg gross mass and applies to any unit lifted by crane in a marine environment. It is recognised globally by oil majors, drilling contractors and port authorities.
What Does DNV 2.7-1 Actually Test?
Certification is not just a paperwork exercise. Every DNV 2.7-1 container must pass:
- Structural load testing — dynamic load factors up to 2.5g
- Lifting point integrity — pad eyes, slings and rigging hardware
- Impact resistance — corner and side impact testing
- Weathertight integrity — seals, vents and drainage systems
- Marking and documentation — serial number, gross mass, test date
DNV 2.7-1 vs ISO 1496: What’s the Difference?
ISO 1496 is the standard for standard shipping containers — road, rail and sea transport. DNV 2.7-1 is specifically for offshore crane lifts in marine environments. The key difference is the dynamic load factor: ISO containers are tested for static loads, while DNV containers must withstand the shock and swing forces of an offshore crane lift in heavy seas.
Using an ISO container for offshore lifting without DNV 2.7-1 certification is a serious safety violation and is rejected by most oil and gas operators.
Who Requires DNV 2.7-1 Certification?
- Major oil companies — Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil
- Drilling contractors — Transocean, Valaris, Noble
- FPSO and platform operators
- Offshore wind farm developers
- Marine logistics and supply vessel operators
Most operator contracts specify DNV 2.7-1 as a minimum requirement. Non-certified containers will be rejected at the quayside.
What Types of Containers Can Be DNV 2.7-1 Certified?
Offshore Cargo Baskets and Freight Containers
Open top and closed freight containers for tools, equipment and general cargo. The most common DNV certified unit on offshore supply vessels.
Workshop and Laboratory Containers
Fully fitted offshore workshops and labs with DNV certified structural frames. Used for maintenance, testing and analysis on platform decks.
Generator and Compressor Containers
Power generation and compressed air units certified for offshore crane operations. Must meet both DNV 2.7-1 structural requirements and ATEX electrical standards.
Chemical and Dangerous Goods Containers
Certified units for transporting hazardous materials offshore. Require additional IMDG and IMO compliance alongside DNV certification.
Accommodation and Office Containers
Offshore living quarters and site offices with DNV certified frames. Used on FPSOs, jack-up rigs and semi-submersibles.
How to Verify DNV Certification
A genuine DNV 2.7-1 container will have a permanently affixed data plate showing the container serial number, gross mass, tare weight, test date and the DNV type approval number. You can verify the certificate directly on the DNV My Foundation portal using the approval number.
Always request the original test certificate and type approval documentation from your supplier before accepting delivery.
Tamga Modules DNV Certified Container Solutions
Tamga Modules manufactures DNV 2.7-1 certified offshore containers for oil and gas platforms, drilling operations, offshore wind projects and marine logistics across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Our units are designed, built and tested to meet the full requirements of the standard — from pad eye load testing to weathertight integrity checks. We also supply ATEX certified explosion proof containers and offshore compressor container systems for hazardous area operations.
Contact us to discuss your DNV container requirements → sales@tamgamodules.com