DNV GL, an international certification body, published what they say is the first industry standard providing guidance on offshore personnel transfer by gangway on December 8.
According to the classification society, the DNVGL-ST-0358 will contribute in documenting and securing safe operational performance of offshore gangway solutions and contribute to predictability and transparency within the industry.
Per Arild Åland , Business Development, Offshore Classification, DNV GL – Maritime, says: “By addressing a complete set of requirement for materials, strength, safety and functionality as well as testing and recommended in-service follow-up, we have created a specific and dedicated standard to make gangway operation safer and more efficient.”
Until now, the ISO7061 standard from 1993 has partly served as a reference document by industry for offshore gangway applications despite only addressing ship-to-shore transfers, DNV GL said. Next to the ISO07061, offshore gangways are also certified against man-riding crane standards.
In 2013, DNV GL gathered major industry players in a joint industry project to examine offshore gangway transfer operations.
Experience gained through this W2W (“walk-to-work”) project resulted in the publication of an industry guidance to assist offshore facility operators achieve safe and efficient personnel transfers to/from their facilities via a gangway system on a workboat, ship or semi-submersible.
Offshore gangways are used as a bridge between two vessels or between a fixed object and a floating installation to transfer people, cargo or equipment. For offshore operations, offshore gangways provide a safe and cost effective alternative to personnel transfer by helicopter, basket transfer or boat landing.
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