Vroon and Barge Master team up on walk-to-work vessel

This "unique combination" will enable safe and efficient transfer of personnel and cargo, according to Netherlands-based Barge Master, which specialises in motion compensation systems for offshore operations.
The BM-Gangway incorporates an access tower with elevator, providing stepless access. The adjustable pedestal provides full flexibility in landing heights. With the participation of the German automation supplier and manufacturer Bosch Rexroth in the Barge Master team, the highest quality and safety standards are guaranteed, Barge Master says. The vessel will be available to the offshore industry in the second quarter of 2017.
Jan-Piet Baars, director of the Vroon Group's offshore division, says the VOS Start will offer a very high standard of onboard hotel experience for up to 60 client personnel, plus a state-of-the-art walk-to-work configuration.
“During the development of the gangway we worked closely together with Vroon,” said Martijn Koppert, CEO of Barge Master. “We developed a total logistics solution for efficient installation and maintenance of offshore platforms and wind turbines. The small footprint, its light weight and the modular design with hoisting, elevator and many other options have led to this next-generation gangway. The end product is a fit-for-purpose gangway system that can be purchased or hired at a very competitive price. We're convinced that this is the gangway clients are looking for nowadays.”
As described by Barge Master, the BM-Gangway uses active motion compensation to enable landings on any kind of offshore facility, without the need for a modified landing area. Thanks to the gangway’s modular design, the client can choose the configuration that best fits the project.
The BM-Gangway 3.0 compensates vessel motions up to a significant wave height (Hs) of 3m. An additional motion compensation pedestal module increases the performance to Hs = 4.5m. This allows the gangway to be placed at any deck location and height, Barge Master says. For even more functionality, other modules are available, for instance a 1,000kg integrated motion-compensated lifting winch.
By combining the gangway with a BM-T40 motion compensated crane on one vessel, the hydraulic power unit, motion sensors, operators, spare parts and maintenance services can be shared, leading to lower overall costs, according to Barge Master. The systems function as a backup of each other as well: The gangway is able to lift cargo, and the crane is able to transfer people.