TAS – Turbine Access System

The TAS™ (Turbine Access System) safely transfers people to and from offshore structures and platforms in up to 2.5m Hs seas to optimise our client’s field assets – minimising risk and reducing cost. Developed with BMT Nigel Gee, the TAS™ is a patented, robust, lightweight, motion compensated gangway system. It provides a safe, stable platform for technicians to commence the climb up the turbine structure isolated from the motions of the crew transfer or support vessel. Key features include•Improves safety for personnel transfer offshore and enables safe transfers in higher sea state. •There is no requirement for the WSV to have a DP system nor does the WSV attach itself to the turbine structure. •The system uses standard marine industrial components proven in the oil and gas sector. •Comprehensive HAZID and HAZOP assessments have been completed with developers and operators. •Operational performance of TAS has been proven at Rhyl Flats offshore windfarm. •Further assessments are ongoing with a variety of operators and developers to demonstrate its flexibility and safety •Simple to install on the host vessel The system also comprises bow rollers that replace traditional fendering to dampen the motion of the host vessel. This eliminates the “stick & slip” behaviour of existing fender arrangements. Improves safety, minimises risk and reduces costs by supporting offshore personnel transfer in 2.5m Hs seasTAS™ (Turbine Access System) provides a cost effective way of increasing the operational window for both O&M technicians and construction teams thereby reducing the number of days lost to weather and therefore costs. The increase in turbine availability will lead directly to increased windfarm revenue. Supported by The Carbon Trust Offshore Wind Access Accelerator competition, TAS™ is deployed on Turbine Transfers’ Cemlyn Bay 28m Workboat and operated at Rhyl Flats and Lincs Wind Farms. In these trials, the Turbine Access System provided a mechanical vertical compensation at the end of the gangway of circa 3.2m. Depending on sea state characteristics, the vessel bow can move less or more than the experienced wave height. TAS operational limits depend on this performance factor.

For more information on TAS – Turbine Access System talk to Houlder Ltd