Introduction
Offshore operations in the oil and gas sector generate various waste streams from drilling mud residues and oily rags to general domestic waste from offshore platforms. Managing these wastes safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations is a top operational priority for every offshore operator.
One of the most effective and compliant solutions for handling offshore waste is the use of certified offshore waste skips. These specialized containers are engineered to collect, store, and transport waste from offshore installations to onshore treatment or disposal facilities. Unlike conventional onshore skips, offshore units are built to withstand the harsh marine environment, including heavy winds, corrosive saltwater, and constant handling by cranes.
Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited, through its Marine Division, provides DNV 2.7-1 certified offshore waste skips designed to meet international safety and quality standards. These skips are trusted by oil majors, drilling contractors, and marine logistics firms for their reliability, durability, and ease of handling.
At Epoxy oilserv we fabricate waste skips to standard based on your required specification
Key Takeaway:
Proper offshore waste management is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a reflection of operational excellence and environmental responsibility. Certified offshore skips help companies like yours ensure safety, prevent contamination, and meet global offshore waste standards.
What Are Offshore Waste Skips?
Offshore waste skips are robust steel containers used for collecting and transporting solid and semi-solid wastes generated on offshore platforms, vessels, and rigs. They serve as a critical link in the offshore waste management chain, ensuring that waste is securely contained and transferred back to shore without leakage or spillage.
Types of Offshore Waste Skips
- Open Skips:
Ideal for dry, non-hazardous waste such as packaging, scrap metal, or construction debris. - Closed Skips:
Fully enclosed with sealable lids—best for oily rags, contaminated materials, and hazardous waste that requires isolation from the environment. - Compactor Skips:
Designed for compressing light waste to reduce volume, maximizing space efficiency on platforms.
Mini or Half-Height Skips:
Used in tight deck spaces or smaller vessels where mobility and lifting ease are key.
Industry Standards and Compliance Requirements
In the oil and gas industry, safety and compliance govern every piece of equipment that goes offshore. Offshore waste skips must meet stringent international and local regulations to ensure safety during lifting, transport, and waste handling.
Key Certification Standards
- DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079:
The international design and manufacturing standards for offshore containers. These ensure that the skip can withstand rough offshore conditions and crane lifting operations. - IMO (International Maritime Organization) Guidelines:
Sets out global standards for waste handling on vessels and offshore facilities. - Nigerian DPR/NUPRC Regulations:
Ensure offshore waste skips and handling systems comply with local environmental and operational laws.
Compliance Features Required
- Certified lifting frames, pad eyes, and shackles tested to full load.
- Traceability documentation for manufacturing and testing.
- Regular inspection and recertification by approved third-party agencies.
- Anti-corrosion coatings and materials rated for marine exposure.
Applications of Offshore Waste Skips
Offshore waste skips play a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant waste management processes across various marine and oilfield operations. These robust containers are specifically designed to handle diverse types of waste generated during offshore and nearshore activities.
Drilling Rigs and Offshore Platforms
On drilling rigs, exploration platforms, and production facilities, waste skips are used daily to collect drilling cuttings, used rags, spent filters, packaging materials, and contaminated solids.
These skips help ensure waste segregation at source, allowing operators to separate hazardous from non-hazardous materials before transfer to shore.
Epoxy Oilserv provides DNV-certified skips suitable for these demanding environments, ensuring that offshore waste is contained safely and transferred in compliance with NUPRC and IMO waste management standards.
FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units)
FPSOs require compact, sealed, and easily stackable skips to manage onboard waste without contaminating production areas. Closed skips are particularly valuable for controlling odors, leaks, and airborne contaminants.
Epoxy’s closed-lid waste skips are ideal for this, providing a tight seal and corrosion-resistant coating suited for long-term marine exposure.
Offshore Supply Vessels and Barges
Marine logistics vessels transport both supplies and waste to and from offshore platforms. On return trips, they carry filled skips back to onshore waste processing facilities.
Using certified offshore skips ensures safe crane lifting operations, balance stability, and leak-free transport, even in rough sea conditions.
Offshore Construction and Maintenance Projects
During subsea installations, pipeline maintenance, or platform upgrades, temporary work camps and fabrication teams rely on mini or half-height skips for collecting metal scraps, used consumables, and discarded materials.
These skips are engineered for ease of mobility and efficient deck space management.
Onshore Terminals, Fabrication Yards, and Support Bases
Beyond offshore platforms, offshore waste skips are used at shore-based support facilities for interim waste storage and segregation before final disposal or recycling.
They play a crucial role in bridging offshore and onshore waste management systems, ensuring full traceability of waste from generation to final treatment.
Benefits of Using Certified Offshore Waste Skips
When operating in offshore environments, every piece of equipment used must ensure safety, reliability, and compliance. Certified offshore waste skips offer several operational and environmental advantages that make them indispensable to oil and gas operators.
At Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited, we understand the demands of offshore logistics and supply only DNV-certified skips that meet global marine handling and waste management standards. Below are the key benefits of using certified offshore waste skips in the oil and gas industry.
Safety Assurance in Lifting and Transport
Certified offshore skips are engineered and tested according to DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079 standards, guaranteeing their ability to withstand dynamic lifting operations at sea.
- Each unit is designed with reinforced lifting points and pad eyes for crane handling.
- Certified load tests and visual inspections ensure safe lifting even in rough marine conditions.
This minimizes the risk of accidents, dropped objects, or equipment failure during transport from platform to vessel or shore base.
Environmental Compliance
Oil and gas companies are under increasing pressure to minimize environmental impact. Certified offshore skips:
- Prevent leakage and spillage of hazardous waste.
- Enable segregation of waste streams (general waste, oily rags, drilling residues).
- Ensure compliance with NUPRC waste management regulations and IMO MARPOL Annex V standards.
By using approved skips, offshore operators demonstrate environmental responsibility and maintain a cleaner, safer offshore environment
Operational Efficiency
Certified skips are designed for easy stacking, loading, and transport, optimizing deck space and simplifying logistics between rigs and supply vessels.
Their standardized dimensions and forklift pockets make them compatible with most offshore handling systems.
This reduces loading time and increases turnaround efficiency—saving both time and cost during operations.
Durability and Long Service Life
Each skip is constructed using marine-grade steel with corrosion-resistant coatings, ensuring long-term durability under harsh offshore conditions.
Unlike non-certified containers that quickly rust or deform, DNV-certified skips can withstand:
- Salt spray and humidity
- Temperature fluctuations
- Mechanical stress during lifting and sea transport
This translates into lower maintenance costs and longer lifecycle value for operators.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
Though the upfront cost of a certified skip may be higher, it delivers significant long-term savings by:
- Reducing equipment downtime due to failure.
- Eliminating costs associated with environmental penalties or waste-handling violations.
- Providing reusable, low-maintenance waste management infrastructure.
In the long run, investing in certified offshore skips is far more economical and sustainable than relying on low-grade alternatives.
Easy Inspection and Traceability
Each certified skip comes with a unique serial number, inspection log, and certification documents, ensuring full traceability and accountability throughout its service life.
This documentation supports audits, improves maintenance tracking, and simplifies regulatory inspections by DPR/NUPRC or other authorities.
Brand and Operational Reputation
Using properly certified waste skips enhances a company’s reputation for safety and environmental stewardship—both critical factors in tender qualification and partnership approvals with international oil companies (IOCs).
Epoxy Oilserv’s clients rely on our certified equipment to maintain their reputation as responsible offshore operators.
Material Construction and Design Features
The reliability and long service life of an offshore waste skip largely depend on how it’s built. Each skip is a blend of engineering precision, marine-grade materials, and safety-focused design. Offshore operations demand equipment that can endure constant handling, saltwater exposure, and extreme weather conditions — and that’s exactly what certified skips from Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited deliver.
Below is a breakdown of the key materials and structural features that make these skips indispensable for offshore waste management.
Heavy-Duty Steel Construction
Offshore skips are made from high-tensile marine-grade steel, typically S355 structural steel or equivalent, which provides excellent strength and impact resistance.
- Purpose: Ensures the skip can handle heavy loads without deformation.
- Benefit: Reduces the risk of cracking or damage during offshore lifting operations.
The thick steel walls are reinforced with welded corner plates for added durability and stability under stress.
Anti-Corrosion Coating System
The marine environment is highly corrosive due to saltwater and humidity. To prevent rust and degradation, every skip is treated with a multi-layer protective coating system:
- Abrasive blast cleaning (SA 2.5 standard) before painting.
- Epoxy zinc-rich primer for corrosion protection.
- Polyurethane topcoat for UV and chemical resistance.
This coating extends the lifespan of the skip, ensuring it remains structurally sound for many offshore cycles.
Reinforced Lifting Frame
Each skip includes a certified lifting frame with pad eyes and shackles designed and tested under DNV 2.7-1 standards.
- Load-tested up to 1.5 times the working load limit (WLL).
- Compatible with offshore cranes and spreader bars.
This allows safe and stable lifting during vessel loading or platform transfers — one of the most crucial features in offshore logistics.
Leak-Proof and Sealed Design
Closed skips feature gasket-sealed lids and secure locking mechanisms to prevent leaks or spills of hazardous materials like oily rags, sludge, or chemical waste.
- Some models include drain plugs or sump sections for easy cleaning.
- Pressure-relief vents can also be installed to prevent vapor buildup in sealed skips.
This ensures environmental protection and operator safety.
Stackable and Space-Efficient Design
Deck space is always limited offshore, so skips are designed with stackable bases and lifting points that allow multiple units to be stored safely in compact areas.
This design also improves logistical efficiency when transporting waste skips from offshore rigs to onshore facilities.
Forklift Pockets and Skid Base
Each unit includes forklift pockets and skid bases for easy movement and stability on both offshore platforms and quayside yards.
This makes handling simpler, faster, and safer — especially in heavy-traffic operational zones.
Identification and Traceability Tags
All Epoxy Oilserv offshore waste skips come with engraved serial plates and inspection tags that include:
- Manufacturer’s details
- Date of manufacture
- Safe working load (SWL)
- Certification number and expiry date
This ensures full traceability during audits and helps clients stay compliant with NUPRC and DNV inspection requirements.
Customization Options
Epoxy Oilserv offers custom-built offshore skips to suit specific operational needs:
- Mini skips for smaller waste loads or tight decks.
- Insulated skips for chemical or temperature-sensitive waste.
- Paint customization with company colors and identification codes.
Offshore Waste Management Best Practices
Managing waste offshore requires strict adherence to safety, environmental, and operational standards. Waste generated during exploration, drilling, production, and maintenance must be handled efficiently to prevent contamination of marine ecosystems and ensure compliance with Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and international (IMO, MARPOL) regulations.
Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited not only supplies DNV-certified offshore waste skips, but also supports clients with best-in-class waste management practices to improve safety, compliance, and sustainability in offshore operations.
Waste Segregation at Source
The foundation of effective offshore waste management is proper segregation at the point of generation.
Operators should separate waste into the following categories:
- General waste: Paper, plastic, packaging materials.
- Hazardous waste: Oily rags, paint cans, chemical residues.
- Metal waste: Scrap iron, used bolts, and fittings.
- Food waste: Organic waste from galley operations.
Color-coded skips and labels make it easier for workers to identify and sort waste, minimizing contamination between waste streams.
Epoxy Oilserv provides clearly labeled skips and custom color-coding options to simplify waste identification offshore.
Use of DNV-Certified Offshore Skips
Offshore waste skips should always meet DNV 2.7-1 or EN 12079 standards. These certifications guarantee that the skips:
- Are structurally sound for lifting and stacking.
- Prevent leakage and spillage.
- Comply with international offshore waste handling rules.
Using non-certified containers may lead to spills, operational fines, and safety hazards.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
To ensure continued safety and compliance, all skips must undergo regular inspection, cleaning, and re-certification.
- Visual inspections should be carried out before each use to check for cracks, rust, or damage.
- Load testing and certification renewal should be done annually by approved inspection bodies.
Epoxy Oilserv partners with certified inspection and testing firms to help clients keep their waste management equipment in top condition.
Proper Labeling and Documentation
Every offshore waste skip should carry clear labeling and documentation, indicating:
- Type of waste contained.
- Date of collection.
- Platform or rig name.
- Waste classification (hazardous or non-hazardous).
This documentation ensures traceability and accountability when waste is transferred from offshore to onshore treatment facilities.
Safe Handling and Transport
All waste skips should be handled using approved lifting gear and crane operations.
- Lifting should follow standard offshore lifting procedures to avoid accidents.
- Ensure lids are secured and contents are balanced before transport.
- Waste skips should be properly secured on supply vessels to prevent shifting during rough sea conditions.
Epoxy Oilserv’s skips come with reinforced pad eyes, locking lids, and robust bases to ensure safe transport even under extreme marine environments.
Onshore Disposal and Treatment
Once the skips arrive onshore, waste should be transferred to licensed waste management facilities for treatment, recycling, or disposal.
- Hazardous waste must be handled by authorized handlers and treated in accordance with NUPRC and NESREA regulations.
- Non-hazardous waste can be processed for recycling or energy recovery.
Epoxy Oilserv collaborates with certified Nigerian waste processors to ensure end-to-end compliance from collection to disposal.
Staff Training and Awareness
Even the best equipment is ineffective without trained personnel. Offshore personnel should be regularly trained on:
- Waste classification and segregation.
- Safe handling procedures.
Spill response and environmental awareness.
This builds a culture of responsibility and ensures operational consistency across all offshore sites.
Compliance with Nigerian and International Regulations
Effective offshore waste management in Nigeria aligns with the following frameworks:
- NUPRC Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN).
- MARPOL Annex V (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships).
- DNV 2.7-1 standards for offshore containers.
Epoxy Oilserv helps clients stay compliant by supplying certified skips, assisting with inspection scheduling, and offering guidance on documentation and labeling practices.
Integration of Digital Tracking Systems
Modern waste management involves digital record-keeping and GPS-based skip tracking to enhance transparency.
- Clients can log waste transfers electronically.
- Track skips across vessels and platforms.
- Monitor inspection status and service intervals.
Epoxy Oilserv supports digital traceability systems for clients who want real-time insight into their waste movement and compliance documentation.
Why Choose Epoxy Oilserv for Offshore Waste Skip Solutions
In Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas industry, reliability, safety, and compliance define the difference between downtime and operational excellence. Over the years, Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited has become a trusted partner for offshore operators seeking certified, durable, and environmentally compliant waste management solutions.
Here’s why companies across Nigeria’s upstream and marine sectors consistently choose Epoxy Oilserv for their offshore waste skip needs:
Certified Quality and Compliance
Epoxy Oilserv supplies DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079 certified skips, ensuring every container meets international standards for structural integrity, load safety, and marine handling.
- Each skip undergoes load testing, inspection, and certification.
- Full documentation accompanies every unit, including certification logs and inspection records.
By choosing Epoxy, clients stay fully compliant with NUPRC, DPR, and IMO MARPOL regulations
Extensive Product Range
We provide a complete range of offshore waste skips and containers, including:
- Closed skips for hazardous or liquid waste.
- Open skips for general or dry waste.
- Mini skips for compact deck spaces.
- Custom-built skips for specialized applications.
All units are designed for easy lifting, stacking, and transportation — ideal for both drilling platforms and supply vessels.
Superior Durability and Engineering
Epoxy Oilserv’s skips are built using marine-grade steel with anti-corrosion coatings, making them ideal for long-term offshore use.
Our fabrication partners and engineers ensure that every skip can withstand:
- Saltwater corrosion
- Heavy mechanical handling
- High-load stress during crane operations
This results in longer service life and reduced replacement costs.
Nationwide Availability and Logistics Support
With operational bases in Port Harcourt, Lagos, Warri, and offshore logistics hubs, Epoxy Oilserv ensures quick supply and retrieval of offshore waste skips nationwide.
Our logistics network supports both offshore and onshore waste movement, giving clients access to reliable delivery and backhaul services.
Technical Expertise and Support
Our technical team includes marine engineers and safety officers who guide clients on:
- Proper waste segregation practices.
- Skip selection based on waste type and load capacity.
Maintenance scheduling and re-certification compliance.
This expert guidance helps clients reduce risk and improve offshore waste handling efficiency.
Partnership with Certified Inspectors
Epoxy Oilserv collaborates with DNV-approved inspection agencies and local NUPRC-licensed waste handlers to ensure every skip in circulation meets ongoing inspection requirements.
We also provide re-certification assistance, making it easy for clients to stay compliant without downtime.
Sustainable Waste Management Commitment
Environmental protection is at the heart of our operations.
Our certified skips are part of a closed-loop waste management system, ensuring waste is collected, transported, and processed safely.
By working with licensed treatment facilities, we help clients achieve their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and minimize ecological impact.
Proven Industry Experience
Epoxy Oilserv has served major oil and gas companies, offshore contractors, and marine service firms in Nigeria for over a decade.
Our reputation is built on:
- Consistent delivery timelines.
- Reliable after-sales support.
- Unmatched product durability.
From offshore waste skips to cleaning chemicals and lubricants, we’ve earned the trust of operators across Nigeria’s upstream and midstream sectors.
Custom Branding and Identification
For clients requiring operational visibility, Epoxy Oilserv offers custom-painted skips with company logos, color codes, and identification labels.
This not only supports brand identity offshore but also improves waste tracking and accountability across operations.
End-to-End Offshore Supply Solutions
Epoxy Oilserv’s marine division doesn’t stop at supplying skips. We provide integrated offshore solutions, including:
- Bunker fuels and lubricants supply
- Cleaning and degreasing chemicals
- Vessel and barge rental services
This one-stop capability makes us a preferred partner for offshore operators seeking efficiency and reliability.
Related Article
Best Offshore Waste Skips for Industrial Waste Handling in Nigeria
How to Maintain Offshore Waste Skips for Long-Term Use
Frequently asked Questions
What is the standard size of an offshore waste skip?
Offshore waste skips typically range from 4 m³ to 12 m³, depending on the type of waste and lifting capacity. However, Epoxy Oilserv offers custom sizes to meet specific project requirements, including compact skips for limited deck space.
Are all offshore skips suitable for hazardous waste?
No. Only closed skips with gasket-sealed lids and DNV certification are suitable for hazardous or liquid waste. These ensure no leakage or contamination during lifting or transport. Epoxy Oilserv supplies hazardous-rated skips compliant with NUPRC and MARPOL Annex V.
How often should offshore skips be inspected or recertified?
All skips must undergo annual inspections and load testing by certified inspectors, as required by DNV 2.7-1. Epoxy Oilserv provides clients with inspection reminders and can coordinate testing and recertification through approved partners.
Can I use offshore waste skips for onshore waste management?
Yes, though designed for marine environments, DNV-certified skips can also be used onshore, especially in refineries, fabrication yards, and maintenance depots. Their heavy-duty build ensures long-lasting performance in any industrial setting.
What differentiates Epoxy Oilserv’s offshore waste skips from others in the market?
Epoxy Oilserv’s skips combine marine-grade construction, corrosion-resistant coatings, certified lifting points, and traceability documentation, all supported by technical guidance and nationwide delivery — making them the preferred choice for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Does Epoxy Oilserv assist with waste collection and disposal?
Yes. Through partnerships with licensed waste handlers and treatment facilities, Epoxy Oilserv helps clients manage offshore waste collection, transport, and safe disposal — ensuring full compliance with local and international environmental standards.
Can I customize offshore skips with my company logo or color?
Absolutely. Epoxy Oilserv provides custom branding, labeling, and color-coding options for easy identification and fleet organization across multiple rigs or platforms.
Conclusion
In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving offshore oil and gas landscape, safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance are more critical than ever. Offshore waste skips play a vital role in maintaining these standards by providing a secure and compliant method of waste containment and transport.
Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria Limited stands at the forefront of this mission delivering DNV-certified skips, technical support, and integrated marine solutions that align with global best practices. From corrosion-resistant builds to inspection assistance and digital tracking, our offshore waste skips embody durability and dependability.