The UPTIME gangway allows the crew via a motion compensated gangway to transfer safely from the transport vessel to the turbine. The vessel is free to move with the sea but the gangway is stationary against the tower.
The transport vessel may be equipped with propellers or waterjets, with or without DP, catamaran or single hull. Consequently, it will be operational in heavier seas than what is possible with the thrust lock-on technique.
Heave and pitch are absorbed using active motion compensation. The motion detection can be based on traditional MRU signals, facilitating stationary object access, or with a novel object recognition system which will make it possible to compensate between two freely floating and independent vessels.
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Offshore WIND staff, May 30, 2013; Image: uptime