TURBINE ACCESS SYSTEM (TAS)

The Houlder Turbine Access System (TAS) is designed to provide a safer means of offshore transfer between workboats and offshore wind turbine structures. Developed with BMT Nigel Gee, the system itself operates via a motion compensated gangway that, once raised into place, maintains a fixed transfer position in comparison to the wind turbine structures providing personnel with a secure point from which to transfer. The TAS does not require any dynamic positioning and at no point attempts to actually fix or connect to the turbine structure mitigating risk of damage to its outer surface. It also serves as an important safety measure as, if a problem occurs, the system and boat are free to move away immediately. With most alternative transfer systems limited to operating in wave heights of up to 1.5m, the TAS is designed to increase operability to 2.0m resulting in significantly higher cost efficiency. The predicted total savings of utilising a system to improve operability are calculated at just below 200k per year. In terms of installation, the TAS does not require a large vessel to support it, in fact, the TAS can be used on smaller workboats ranging from just 18 metres in length. The system has now undergone sea trials with its first client, workboat operator Turbine Transfers Ltd and been deployed on Rhyll Flats and Lincs wind farms. Its operation is demonstrated in our promotional video below.

For more information on TURBINE ACCESS SYSTEM (TAS) talk to Houlder Ltd