Before anyone gets the idea that the Vroon personnel were trying out an alternative, step-free entrance to get to their desks in the morning, it has to be pointed out the picture is a rather good fake, intended to illustrate just how impressive the real thing is.
Certainly, walk-to-work vessels are gaining a larger share of the wind market and access systems are quite literally rising with them. This new Vroon vessel, due out during 2017, is “to offer a very high standard of onboard hotel experience for up to 60 client personnel,” said Jan-Piet Baars, Vroon Group Director Offshore. Importantly it also combines an access tower with an elevator, giving the technicians an easy entry to the wind turbines.
“During the development of the gangway we worked closely together with Vroon”, said Martijn Koppert, CEO of Barge Master. Putting together a ‘total solution’ for both installation and maintenance has certainly involved cooperation.
He added: “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 are convinced that this is the gangway clients are looking for nowadays,” concluded Mr Koppert.
And it appears that there’s one outside Vroon’s window.
By Stevie Knight
