OFFCO unveils new transfer system based on lifting platform

Offshore Cooperation (OFFCO) in The Netherlands has developed a new access system for offshore vessels based on a lifting platform rather than a conventional walk-to-work motion compensated gangway. It says it is suitable for use in the offshore oil and gas sector and in renewables, and could even be used below deck level for recovery operations.

The offshore passenger transfer system (OPTS) can transfer a number of personnel from a mobile platform such as a vessel to a fixed one, such an offshore installation or wind turbine, or vice versa. “The OPTS is a new way to transfer people and no other equipment like the OPTS has been developed that is suitable for offshore and marine applications,” OFFCO claims.

The OPTS does not use a bridge or walk-to-work gangway. Instead it uses a ‘platform basket’ that is fully compensated and controlled by operator. “The OPTS give users a tool to access wind turbines, oil and gas platforms and other vessels or barges,” it said.

The OPTS can move freely through 360 degrees with an outreach of 24m and to a height of more than 20m or to 6m below deck level for rescue operations. It is designed for use on all kinds of offshore vessel. With an arm length of 9.0m and a footprint of 2.44m x 6.1m it can easily be locked to the deck. It can also be used for light lifting operations with or without heave and motion compensation.

OFFCO says it has applied for a worldwide patent for the OPTS concept.