International classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has developed guidelines for walk-to-work (W2W) motion compensated Offshore Access Systems (OAS) that are used to transfer industrial personnel to and from offshore installations.
In December, DNV GL was the first to publish guidelines for these systems.
Safety Principles and Technical Requirements
BV's Guidance Note NI629 Certification of Offshore Access Systems provides an overview of the safety principles and technical requirements for the design, manufacturing and operation of reliable and dependable equipment for the safe transfer of personnel at sea.
Passive and Active Transfer Gangways
Two different offshore access technologies have emerged: passive transfer gangways, which are first connected to the offshore installation and then put in free-flow mode for personnel transfer, and active transfer gangways, which remain motion compensated during personnel transfer. The safety issues and critical components, which differ from one category to the other, require special attention to ensure safe and reliable operation.
BV offers Guidance Note NI629 for download on www.veristar.com.
Picture: A game changer in the offshore industry, Ampelmann's motion compensated gangway (picture by Ampelmann/SWZ Daily).
