SMST says it has installed its M series telescopic access bridge (TAB) on board Offshore Windforce’s multipurpose vessel Abis Duisburg for support during grouting operations for the 350 MW Wikinger offshore wind farm.
According to SMST, the personnel of Offshore Windforce WIK VOF now walk safely from the vessel to the wind farm structure – and since the first connection, more than 200 safe transfers have already been made.
Offshore Windforce WIK VOF is a joint venture between Boskalis and Volker Stevin, and it has now rented the TAB with active motion compensation for the installation of 70 turbine foundations and six offshore substation piles at the Wikinger facility.
SMST says the modular M series TAB is suitable for a variety of vessels and operational situations, as it features a compact design, can be transported by normal container truck, can be mobilized quickly in one lift and has a large operational window.
In addition, the Dutch company states that the system is remotely controlled by the vessel crew, does not require large generators and is inexpensive to operate. The company notes that two bridges, of the first series of five that are being built, are contracted for rental use.
The M series is part of a range of four types of access bridge systems offered by SMST, including the S, M, L and XL, which vary in length from a minimum of 4 meters up to 58 meters and can be active or passive motion compensated.
