EP2151375B1 - Systems for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure - Google Patents

Systems for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2151375B1
EP2151375B1 EP08161674A EP08161674A EP2151375B1 EP 2151375 B1 EP2151375 B1 EP 2151375B1 EP 08161674 A EP08161674 A EP 08161674A EP 08161674 A EP08161674 A EP 08161674A EP 2151375 B1 EP2151375 B1 EP 2151375B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
line
vessel
wind turbine
stretched
turbine structure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP08161674A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2151375A1 (en
Inventor
Jan Willem Nicolaas Pasteuning
Marco Rowdy Plantema
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Xemc Darwind BV
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Xemc Darwind BV
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Publication date
Application filed by Xemc Darwind BV filed Critical Xemc Darwind BV
Priority to AT08161674T priority Critical patent/ATE532700T1/en
Priority to EP08161674A priority patent/EP2151375B1/en
Publication of EP2151375A1 publication Critical patent/EP2151375A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2151375B1 publication Critical patent/EP2151375B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/18—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of cableways, e.g. with breeches-buoys

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for transferring objects or people between a vessel, and an offshore wind turbine
  • the object of the invention is achieved by a method according to claim 1.
  • the method of the invention can be realized with small and fast boats without associated equipment, e.g., the usual service boats for offshore activities. Moreover, the method according to the invention makes evacuation of injured personnel possible from the offshore structure to the vessel, e.g., in a horizontal or sitting position.
  • the line can be stretched by driving the vessel to move away from the offshore structure, e.g., by moving the vessel backward with the motor in reverse, for example half or minimum speed astern.
  • the vessel does not need to be steered in a particular direction, which makes the system self stabilizing.
  • the line will sag under its own weight. As a result, sudden shock loads and impact loads by sea induced motion are damped.
  • the line forms a gradual transition from the movements of the ship to the static condition of the offshore structure to be entered.
  • the driving force should be sufficient to prevent that opposite impact forces induced by wave action or weather conditions cause a temporary loss of tension in the line.
  • the vessel can be provided with means blocking full force operation of the motor during the stretching of the line, allowing part load operation only.
  • the vessel can also be provided with a safety block for preventing unintentional deactivation of the motor during the time that the transport member is guided along the stretched line. Since the ship is continuously kept at a distance from the structure to be entered, there is no risk that persons are clamped between the two structures.
  • the line can attached to the offshore structure at a point higher than the entrance platform. This way, the transport member can be guided to land on the right place on the entrance platform. However, it is also possible to attach the line to a lower point. A ladder or similar means can then lead the transported personnel to entrance platform or another entrance.
  • the line has a length of about 1, 5 - 2,5 times the height of its point attachment relative to sea level.
  • a length of about twice the height of its point of attachment relative to sea level results in an angle of about 30 degrees with the horizon. It has been found that with such an angle shock loads induced by movement of the ship are effectively reduced.
  • the line can comprise a cable or a set of cables, e.g. three or more parallel cables and/or interconnected cables, e.g., interconnected by cross cables or the like.
  • the line can comprise one or more bands or similar provisions.
  • the line or cable can be attached permanently to the offshore structure to be acceded, with its free end hanging down, e.g., attached to a buoy and being in reach of an approaching ship.
  • the flexible line can be stored within the offshore structure in a storage comprising a release mechanism. This way, the line is effectively protected against the salty environment.
  • the release mechanism can for example be activated by a control unit on the vessel.
  • the free end of the flexible line can comprise a thin extension line, optionally comprising a floatable member such as a buoy.
  • the line can comprise an end-stop block while the vessel comprises a gripper for gripping the end-stop block.
  • the cable can be made of any suitable material, e.g. of shock absorbing materials. Suitable materials are for example fiber materials, e.g. polyethylene fibers, such as cables made of Dyneema® fibers, available from DSM. Alternatively, steel cables can be used.
  • suitable materials are for example fiber materials, e.g. polyethylene fibers, such as cables made of Dyneema® fibers, available from DSM. Alternatively, steel cables can be used.
  • the transport member can for example be a gangway, a lift cage or cabin or conveyor cage or the like.
  • a cage or cabin can for example be provided with a set of rollers frictionally engaging the stretched line and with a motor for driving the set of rollers.
  • the motor can for instance be an electrical motor which can be powered by a battery in the cage or by a battery on the vessel using a power cable.
  • the cage is lifted via the stretched line by a lifting cable operatively attached to a winch on the offshore structure.
  • a lifting cable can be stored in a protected storage location, such as a locker. After connecting the flexible line to the vessel, the outer end of the lifting cable its moved to the vessel along the flexible line.
  • the cage can for example be a flexible tube which can be guided over the flexible line.
  • a tube can be stored on the vessel, e.g, in a rolled arrangement.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an offshore construction 10, e.g., an offshore wind turbine, comprising a tower 11 carrying a platform 12 with a door 16 for access to the interior of the tower 11, e.g. for maintenance or repair purposes.
  • the platform 12 is about 20 meters above sea level 13.
  • a line 14 is permanently attached to the platform 12, having a length substantially more than the height af the platform 12. When not in use, the line 14 hangs dorm, with its free end 15 in reach of a passing ship.
  • the free end 15 of the line 14 is attached to a mast 21 on deck on the front side of a service boat. 20.
  • the service boat 20 is driven to move away from the wind turbine 10, thus stretching the line 14 which sags under its own weight.
  • the service boat 20 contains a conveyor cage 22 for transporting personnel and/or equipment between the service boat 20 and the wind turbine 10. The cage 22 is moved along the stretched line 14.
  • FIG. 2 shows the cage 22 schematically in more detail.
  • the cage 22 has an entrance 23.
  • the cage 22 comprises a set of rollers or gear wheels 24 arranged in two parallel rows gripping the stretched line 14. By rolling the rollers or gear wheels 24, the cage can move up and down via the line 14. The two rows of rollers 24 can be moved apart for disengagement from the line 14.
  • Figure 3A shows a line 14 having as its free end an end-stop block 17, an extension line 18 and a floating buoy 19. This way, the free end of line 14 can be picked up easily by a passing ship.
  • the end-stop block 17 can be locked by a gripper or locking unit 25, which can be opened to receive the end-stop block 17, as shown in Figure 3B , and closed to lock it firmly, as shown in Figure 3C .

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Ship Loading And Unloading (AREA)

Abstract

Method of transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure, comprising the step of establishing a connection by at least one line between the vessel and the offshore structure, which line is stretched, and subsequently a transport member is guided along the stretched line to move between the vessel and the offshore structure. The line can for example be stretched by driving the vessel to move away from the offshore structure, e.g. astern, e.g., in part load.

Description

  • The invention relates to a system for transferring objects or people between a vessel, and an offshore wind turbine
  • Offshore installations, such as offshore wind turbines require regular maintenance and repair operations. Maintenance personnel with their equipment are transported to the wind turbine by ship. The personnel and their equipment have to move from the deck of the ship to the entrance of the wind turbine which is well above sea level, typically at a height of up to about 20 meters. When the wind is too hard or the waves are too high safety requirements do not allow entry of the wind turbine and maintenance or repair cannot be carried out. As a result, maintenance and repair can only be carried out during a limited range of weather conditions or weather window. Consequently, the availability of the wind turbine is reduced resulting in an increase of costs.
  • In WO 2007/120039 it has been proposed to use a ship comprising a motion compensation platform, or Stewart platform, using flight simulator technology to actively compensate wave movements. Such systems are expensive, fragile and require adapted ships.
  • The same holds for the system proposed in WO 98/57845 disclosing an access system for acceding an offshore oil platform using a variable length gangway with an articulate connection to the vessel. This prior art system requires the use of a large ship. In practice, the gangway cannot be made long enough to be able to reach the platform of the wind turbine. The system is not suitable for evacuation of injured personnel in a horizontal or sitting position.
  • It is an object of the invention to enable safe access to an offshore structure from a vessel, such as a service boat, even under difficult weather conditions. It should be possible to realize the system by a simple construction in a cost-effective way.
  • The object of the invention is achieved by a method according to claim 1.
  • This way, a robust connection is obtained between the vessel and the offshore structure. Direct contact between the moving vessel and the static offshore structure is avoided. The method of the invention can be realized with small and fast boats without associated equipment, e.g., the usual service boats for offshore activities. Moreover, the method according to the invention makes evacuation of injured personnel possible from the offshore structure to the vessel, e.g., in a horizontal or sitting position.
  • The line can be stretched by driving the vessel to move away from the offshore structure, e.g., by moving the vessel backward with the motor in reverse, for example half or minimum speed astern. The vessel does not need to be steered in a particular direction, which makes the system self stabilizing. The line will sag under its own weight. As a result, sudden shock loads and impact loads by sea induced motion are damped. The line forms a gradual transition from the movements of the ship to the static condition of the offshore structure to be entered. The driving force should be sufficient to prevent that opposite impact forces induced by wave action or weather conditions cause a temporary loss of tension in the line. The vessel can be provided with means blocking full force operation of the motor during the stretching of the line, allowing part load operation only. The vessel can also be provided with a safety block for preventing unintentional deactivation of the motor during the time that the transport member is guided along the stretched line. Since the ship is continuously kept at a distance from the structure to be entered, there is no risk that persons are clamped between the two structures.
  • If the offshore structure comprises an entrance platform, as is generally the case with offshore wind turbines, the line can attached to the offshore structure at a point higher than the entrance platform. This way, the transport member can be guided to land on the right place on the entrance platform. However, it is also possible to attach the line to a lower point. A ladder or similar means can then lead the transported personnel to entrance platform or another entrance.
  • The line has a length of about 1, 5 - 2,5 times the height of its point attachment relative to sea level. A length of about twice the height of its point of attachment relative to sea level results in an angle of about 30 degrees with the horizon. It has been found that with such an angle shock loads induced by movement of the ship are effectively reduced.
  • The line can comprise a cable or a set of cables, e.g. three or more parallel cables and/or interconnected cables, e.g., interconnected by cross cables or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the line can comprise one or more bands or similar provisions.
  • Optionally, the line or cable can be attached permanently to the offshore structure to be acceded, with its free end hanging down, e.g., attached to a buoy and being in reach of an approaching ship. Alternatively, the flexible line can be stored within the offshore structure in a storage comprising a release mechanism. This way, the line is effectively protected against the salty environment. The release mechanism can for example be activated by a control unit on the vessel.
  • To facilitate easier picking up of the flexible line, the free end of the flexible line can comprise a thin extension line, optionally comprising a floatable member such as a buoy.
  • Optionally, the line can comprise an end-stop block while the vessel comprises a gripper for gripping the end-stop block.
  • The cable can be made of any suitable material, e.g. of shock absorbing materials. Suitable materials are for example fiber materials, e.g. polyethylene fibers, such as cables made of Dyneema® fibers, available from DSM. Alternatively, steel cables can be used.
  • The transport member can for example be a gangway, a lift cage or cabin or conveyor cage or the like. Such a cage or cabin can for example be provided with a set of rollers frictionally engaging the stretched line and with a motor for driving the set of rollers. The motor can for instance be an electrical motor which can be powered by a battery in the cage or by a battery on the vessel using a power cable.
  • Optionally, the cage is lifted via the stretched line by a lifting cable operatively attached to a winch on the offshore structure. Before use, such a lifting cable can be stored in a protected storage location, such as a locker. After connecting the flexible line to the vessel, the outer end of the lifting cable its moved to the vessel along the flexible line.
  • In a specific embodiment, the cage can for example be a flexible tube which can be guided over the flexible line. Such a tube can be stored on the vessel, e.g, in a rolled arrangement.
  • The invention is further explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
    • Fig. 1
    shows schematically an offshore access system according to the present invention;
    Fig. 2
    shows schematically in detail the cage of the system shown in Figure 1;
    Fig. 3A
    shows schematically a connection line for an offshore access system according to the present invention;
    Fig. 3B
    shows the line of Fig. 3A with a locking unit;
    Fig. 3C
    shows the locking unit of Fig. 3B when locking the connection line of Figure 3A.
  • Figure 1. shows a schematic representation of an offshore construction 10, e.g., an offshore wind turbine, comprising a tower 11 carrying a platform 12 with a door 16 for access to the interior of the tower 11, e.g. for maintenance or repair purposes. In this embodiment, the platform 12 is about 20 meters above sea level 13. A line 14 is permanently attached to the platform 12, having a length substantially more than the height af the platform 12. When not in use, the line 14 hangs dorm, with its free end 15 in reach of a passing ship.
  • In Figure 1, the free end 15 of the line 14 is attached to a mast 21 on deck on the front side of a service boat. 20. The service boat 20 is driven to move away from the wind turbine 10, thus stretching the line 14 which sags under its own weight. The service boat 20 contains a conveyor cage 22 for transporting personnel and/or equipment between the service boat 20 and the wind turbine 10. The cage 22 is moved along the stretched line 14.
  • Figure 2 shows the cage 22 schematically in more detail. The cage 22 has an entrance 23. On its top end, the cage 22 comprises a set of rollers or gear wheels 24 arranged in two parallel rows gripping the stretched line 14. By rolling the rollers or gear wheels 24, the cage can move up and down via the line 14. The two rows of rollers 24 can be moved apart for disengagement from the line 14.
  • Figure 3A shows a line 14 having as its free end an end-stop block 17, an extension line 18 and a floating buoy 19. This way, the free end of line 14 can be picked up easily by a passing ship. The end-stop block 17 can be locked by a gripper or locking unit 25, which can be opened to receive the end-stop block 17, as shown in Figure 3B, and closed to lock it firmly, as shown in Figure 3C.

Claims (13)

  1. Method of transferring a person or a load between a vessel (20) and an offshore wind turbine structure (10), comprising the step of establishing a connection by at least one line (14) between the vessel and the offshore wind turbine structure, which line is stretched, and subsequently a transport member (22) is guided along the stretched line to move between the vessel (20) and the offshore wind turbine structure (10), wherein the line is stretched by driving the vessel to move away from the offshore wind turbine structure characterized in that the length of the line (14) is 1,5 - 2,5 times the height of its point of attachment to the wind turbine structure relative to the sea level.
  2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that the line is stretched by driving the vessel to move away from the offshore wind turbine structure without steering.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2 the line is stretched by the vessel (20) in part load.
  4. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3 characterized in that the transport member comprises a conveyer cage (22).
  5. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the cage is provided with a set of rollers (24) frictionally engaging the stretched line and with a motor for driving the set of rollers.
  6. Method according to claim 4 wherein the cage is lifted via the stretched line (14) by a lifting cable operatively attached to a winch on the offshore wind turbine structure.
  7. Method according to claim 6 characterized in that before use the lifting cable is stored in a protected location and after connecting the flexible line to the vessel, the outer end of the lifting cable is moved to the vessel along the flexible line (14).
  8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 4 - 7 characterized in that the cage is a flexible tube which can be guided along the flexible line (14).
  9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the flexible line (14) hangs down from a platform of the offshore wind turbine structure (10) when the flexible line is not in use.
  10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 7 characterized in that the flexible line (14) is stored within the offshore wind turbine structure (10) in a storage comprising a release mechanism.
  11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the line comprises an extension line (18).
  12. Method according to claim 10 characterized in that the extension line (18) comprises a buoy (19).
  13. Method according to anyone of the preceding claims characterized in that the line comprises an end-stop block (17) and the vessel comprises a gripper (25) for gripping the end-stop block.
EP08161674A 2008-08-01 2008-08-01 Systems for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure Active EP2151375B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT08161674T ATE532700T1 (en) 2008-08-01 2008-08-01 SYSTEMS FOR TRANSFERRING A PERSON OR CARGO BETWEEN A SHIP AND A MARINE STRUCTURE
EP08161674A EP2151375B1 (en) 2008-08-01 2008-08-01 Systems for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08161674A EP2151375B1 (en) 2008-08-01 2008-08-01 Systems for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2151375A1 EP2151375A1 (en) 2010-02-10
EP2151375B1 true EP2151375B1 (en) 2011-11-09

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EP08161674A Active EP2151375B1 (en) 2008-08-01 2008-08-01 Systems for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure

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EP (1) EP2151375B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE532700T1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011091854A1 (en) * 2010-01-29 2011-08-04 Xemc Darwind B.V. System for transferring a person or a load between a vessel and an offshore structure
NL2006183C2 (en) * 2011-02-11 2012-08-14 Ridderinkhof B V TRANSFER SYSTEM.
EP3766773A1 (en) * 2019-07-19 2021-01-20 Ørsted Wind Power A/S Marine transfer apparatus and method of using the same

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191100057A (en) * 1911-01-02 1911-10-12 Onofre Lindsay Improvements in Cargo Handling Apparatus.
US2874855A (en) * 1957-07-02 1959-02-24 Texas Co Personnel or object transfer apparatus and method
GB1284616A (en) * 1970-02-24 1972-08-09 Gen Electric Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to transfer arrangements
GB8324195D0 (en) * 1983-09-09 1983-10-12 Gec Elliott Mech Handling Latching means
NO972820L (en) 1997-06-18 1998-12-21 Pevatec As Motion absorbing transfer system
NL1010650C1 (en) * 1998-11-25 2000-05-26 Imc Group B V Method of taking on tow rope from tugboat uses hook on end of boom to catch light line hanging from bow of vessel to be towed
US20030061960A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Kunczynski Jan K. Tensioned, belt track based, transport system and method
EP1781536B1 (en) * 2004-08-03 2008-11-12 IHC Engineering Business Limited Access method between marine structures and apparatus
NL1031263C2 (en) 2006-03-01 2007-09-04 Univ Delft Tech Vessel, movement platform, method for compensating for movements of a vessel and use of a Stewart platform.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE532700T1 (en) 2011-11-15
EP2151375A1 (en) 2010-02-10

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