SMST’s Telescopic Access Bridge is ideal for offshore wind sites, letting workers walk safely from a transport vessel to a wind-farm structure.
The Netherlands’ based SMST recently connected its M series Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB), with active motion compensation, for Offshore Windforce’s multi-purpose vessel, Abis Duisburg. TAB will help support during grouting operations during construction of the 350-MW Wikinger offshore wind farm.
According to SMST, Offshore Windforce’s workers and personnel can now walk safely from vessel to wind farm. The offshore company is installing 70 wind-turbine foundations and six offshore substation piles.
The modular M series TAB provides a compact design, is transportable by container truck, and can be mobilized quickly in one lift. The system is remotely controlled by a vessel’s crew, and does not require large or costly generators to operate.
The M series is part of a range of four types of access bridge systems offered by SMST (S, M, L and XL), which vary in length from a minimum of 4 m up to 58 m that can be active or passive-motion compensated. The S, M and L are primarily developed for walk-to-work applications, and the L and XL are more suitable for long-term connection between offshore structures and accommodation service vessels. All of the systems can be deployed for cargo handling and are available for purchase or rent.
SMST’s TAB M series has gained a lot of interest from multiple offshore operators. Since the first connection, more than 200 safe transfers already have been made. Two bridges, of the first series of five that are being built, are contracted for rental use.
Filed Under: News, Offshore wind, Safety
