SMST offshore access system at Europort

The designer and builder of customised lifting and transport systems for the handling of heavy equipment on board ships is presenting a range of telescopic access bridges (TAB) at Europort, including the smallest S-version which is designed by SMST to be combined with the fast offshore craft.

By mounting the heave compensated access bridge onto the vessel, personnel can be transferred safely to offshore structures such as wind turbines. The versatile craft can also be used for offshore patrol, inspection and crew transport. SMST reports increased interest with the rising cost of helicopter transport and following the recent helicopter tragedy in the UK.

SMST has designed and engineered the 13.5m GRP hull and the complete vessel is assembled at the company’s Drachten factory. The RIB design features a beam of 4m and a draft of 0.8m. Powered by CAT C9 ACERT engines rated at 503hp and driving twin surface drives, the vessel is capable of 40 knots.

Various other engine configurations are available for up to three inboard engines and up to four outboards. The RIB hull promises excellent handling and stability for the motion compensated bridge system even in rough weather.

The S-version low weight TAS has a maximum length of 10m and a maximum stroke of 6m, with a 0.6m free width walkway and a maximum luffing angle of 30°.

The SMST M, L, and XL versions of the TAB are suitable for ‘walk to work’ applications from offshore accommodation vessels to offshore structures and could again be applicable for offshore windfarm operations. These larger access bridges vary in length up to a maximum of 58m.