NL2022488B1

NL2022488B1 - Crew transfer vessel comprising an access bridge system and method for transferring people and/or goods to and/or from such crew transfer vessel

Info

Publication number: NL2022488B1
Application number: NL2022488A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hessels Hendrik
Original assignee: U Sea Beheer B V
Priority date: 2018-02-23
Filing date: 2019-01-31
Publication date: 2020-02-24
Also published as: NL2022488A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vessel for transferring crew and/or goods, such as a crew transfer vessel, the vessel comprising an access bridge system and a method for transferring people and/or goods. The access bridge system comprises: - a gangway having a first end that is connected to the vessel and a second end configured to be connected to an offshore structure or quay side; - a telescopic module configured for adjusting the height of the gangway; - a roll compensation system configured for compensation of undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel acting on the gangway, wherein the roll compensation system comprises: - a roll compensation frame configured for compensation on the roll axis of the vessel; and - a drive system for driving the roll compensation frame having at least one roll compensation actuator such that undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel can be compensated, wherein the actuator acts on the roll compensation frame enabling independent compensation of the undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel.

Description

CREW TRANSFER VESSEL COMPRISING AN ACCESS BRIDGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING PEOPLE AND/OR GOODS TO AND/OR FROM SUCH CREW TRANSFER VESSEL

The present invention relates to a (crew) transfer vessel comprising an access bridge system configured for providing access and egress to and from a unit, such as a work vessel, service and maintenance vessel, unit or vehicle, offshore structures including platforms and wind turbine foundations.

Conventional crew transfer vessels are also referred to as fast crew supply ships or accommodation service vessels. These crew transfer vessels are built to transfer people and/or goods, also referred to as cargo, and move with a relatively high speed to a desired location. These conventional vessels can be provided with an access bridge that comprises a gangway and associated equipment. At the desired location the gangway is connected to the specific unit, such as an offshore structure. Typically, these vessels have been designed to be relatively light and are, there for, sensitive to undesired movements and/or disturbances, especially around the roll axis. In practice, this significantly reduces the operational window wherein the vessel can be used for transfer of people and/or goods, thereby reducing the overall efficiency and increasing cost.

The object according to the present invention is to obviate or reduce the afore-mentioned problems, and to provide easy and safe access and egress to and from an accessed unit, preferably in an enlarged operation window.

This object is achieved with the vessel for transferring crew and/or goods, such as a crew transfer vessel, the vessel according to the invention comprising an access bridge system., the system comprising:

a gangway having a first end that is connected to the vessel and a second end configured to be connected to a floating or fixed offshore structure or quay side; a telescopic module configured for adjusting the height of the gangway;

a roll compensation system configured for compensation of undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel acting on the gangway, wherein the roll compensation system comprises:

a roll compensation frame configured for compensation on the roll axis of the vessel; and a drive system for driving the roll compensation frame having at least one roll compensation actuator such that undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel can be compensated, wherein the actuator acts on the roll compensation frame enabling independent compensation of the undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel.

The crew transfer vessel enables transfer of peopl e and/or goods between the vessel and a further accessed unit, such as an offshore structure, including an oil platform, dock, vessel, wind turbine etc., or quay side. The access bridge system comprises a gangway having a first end that is connected to the vessel and a second end that is preferably provided with a landing tip. This second end is configured to be connected to the accessed unit, such as an offshore structure or quay side. The gangway preferably involves a number of telescopic gangway elements to enhance the flexibility and operational functionality of the vessel.

Providing a roll compensation system enables compensation of undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel. These nndesired movements and/or disturbances act on the gangway. Such roli compensation system comprises a roll compensation frame that enables the actual compensation on the roll axis and a drive system driving the compensation frame. The drive system is provided with at least one roll compensation actuator such that undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel can be compensated.

This roli compensation system is configured for independent compensation of the undesired roll movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel. This allows for independent and relatively fast compensation. This increases the operational window for transfer of people and/or goods under a wider range of weather conditions. This is more efficient and more cost effective as compared to conventional systems.

The access bridge system comprises a telescopic module configured for adjusting the height of the gangway. Providing a telescopic module enables adjusting the operational height of the gangway relative to the desired location. For example, this may involve height adjustments at 1525 m. above sea level. It will be understood that other dimensions can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the roll compensation system is configured for compensation over a roll compensation angle in the range of -5° to +5°, preferably in the range of -4° to +4°.

Providing a compensation angle in one of the specific ranges enables an effective control and compensation of the undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis of the vessel.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the telescopic module comprises a height adjustment drive and a height compensation drive.

Providing a height adjustment drive enables (static) setting an effective height adjustment of the gangway relative to the offshore structure or quay side. Such height adjustment drive can be embodied as a hydraulic cylinder capable of achieving the desired height adjustment. It will be understood that other embodiments can also be envisaged. When providing a height compensation drive disturbances and/or nndesired movements acting on the effective height can be (dynamically) compensated by this compensation drive. This height compensation drive is preferably embodied as a relatively small hydraulic cylinder, preferably smaller than the height adjustment drive cylinder, to improve the speed and/or accuracy of the actual compensation.

In a presently preferred embodiment the bridge with the gangway is provided with one or more hydraulic cylinders that are capable of positioning the gangway at an angle relative to the horizontal. This further enhances the possibilities for height adjustments.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the crew transfer vessel further comprises a compensation system that is configured for compensation of undesired movements and/or disturbances on the yaw axis and/or pitch axis.

Providing a separate compensation system for the yaw axis and/or pitch axis enables effective compensation of the gangway around these respective axes. These compensation system or systems are preferably independently operated from the roll compensation system according to the present invention. These independently configured compensation systems enable fast and accurate control and compensation.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the roll compensation frame comprises a support that is connected to a roll compensation hinge.

Providing a roll compensation hinge enables an effective compensation around the roll axis. Preferably, the roil compensation hinge is positioned in or close to the roil axis of the vessel, more preferably the roll compensation hinge is positioned substantially co-linear or substantially parallel to this roll axis.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention the roil compensation hinge comprises a shaft that substantially extends along this roil axis. This enables an effective and fast compensation of undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roil axis of the vessel.

Furthermore, by providing the hinge along or close to the roll axis the required forces for the actual compensation remain limited. This enables an effective and cost efficient roll compensation system, hi addition, accelerations acting on people on the bridge/gangway are reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive system comprises one or more, and preferably two, sub-actuators acting in different positions on the support to control the angle of the support.

The support preferably comprises a poie or post that more specifically comprises a telescopic module. This support can be rotated in this embodiment along the roll compensation hinge using the one or more sub-actuators. Optionally, the sub-actuators comprise a number of drives that act somewhere along the length of the support. For example, in a presently preferred embodiment, the one or more sub-actuators act on a distance of at least 2 meters, preferably at least 5 meters, from the roil compensation hinge. For example, the role compensation hinge is positioned at the tank top of the vessel and the sub-actuators are provided at one of the other decks of the vessel. This provides an efficient moment of force acting on the support/actuator.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the roll compensation frame comprises a portal frame having at least two supports that are connected to the vessel at respective connection hinges that are positioned at opposite sides of the vessel.

By providing a portal frame an alternative role compensation frame can be mounted on a crew transfer vessel. This frame can also be applied to other service vessels. The gangway is preferably connected to a platform that is supported by the at least two side supports of the portal frame. Preferably, the drive system comprises two compensation cylinders (dynamic) for enabling roll adjustment and two height adjusting cylinders (static) for height adjustment of the gangway . The height adjusting cylinders enable adjustment of the effective height of the gangway relative to the desired location. The compensation cylinders enable compensation for undesired movements and/or disturbances acting on the roll axis of the vessel.

The invention further relates to a method for transferring people and/or goods to and/or from a crew transfer vessel in one of the embodiments of the invention, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning the vessel relative to an offshore structure or quay side; connecting the gangway to the offshore structure or quay side; compensating undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis with the roil compensation system.; and transferring the people and/or goods.

The method provides the same effects and advantages as described for the crew' transfer vessel.

Optionally, the method further involves the independent compensation of movements or disturbances acting on one or more of the other axes of the vessel, relating to the pitch axis and yaw axis.

Further advantages, features and details are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a crew transfer vessel according to the invention;

figure 2 schematically shows the access bridge system of the vessel of fig. 1; figure 3 shows the actual compensation with the access bridge system of fig. 2; and figure 4 shows an alternative compensation system with a portal frame.

Crew transfer vessel 2 (fig. 1) comprises access bridge system 4 with gangway 6 that can be connected to platform 8 of offshore structure 10. Offshore structure 10 may relate to a wind turbine or windmill. Platform 8 is attached to foundation post 12 having fence 14 and stairs 16. Access bridge system 4 is preferably provided at back side 18 of vessel 2.

In the illustrated embodiment access bridge system 4 can be adjusted in height above sea level 20 between height Hi and maximum height H₂. In the illustrated embodiment minimum height Hi is between 10 and 20 m. and maximum H₂ is between 20 and 30 m. Depending on the specific location and height of platform 8 a different configuration with alternative heights can be envisaged.

In the illustrated embodiment, gangway 6 (fig. 2) of access bridge system 4 comprises bridge tip 22, that is provided on one end of gangway 6. Bridge tip 22 is configured for connecting to platform 8. Bridge tip 22 is attached to the telescopic part 24 for gangway 6 that can be moved relative to stationary part 26 of gangway 6. Cylinders 28 can be controlled by (gangway) controller

30. Cylinders 28 are capable of placing gangway 6 at an angle relative to the horizontal. Preferably, gangway 6 can be rotated around yaw axis Y. Adjustable stairs 32 are provided to enable access to gangway 6 from deck 34. Telescopic module 36 comprises cylinder housing 38 and piston 40 enabling height adjustment. In the illustrated embodiment, movement between parts 38, 40 is optionally guided with guiding wheel support 42 to reduce friction resistance. Cylinder part 40 is connected to gangway 6. On the opposite end of telescopic module 36 housing part 38 is provided with flanges 44 that are connected to shaft 46. Shaft 46 is attached to top deck frame 48 that is attached to top deck 50.

In the illustrated embodiment shaft 46 extends along and/or substantially parallel to roll axis R of vessel 2 and thereby substantially transversal to pitch axis P.

Compensation frame 52, comprising telescopic module 36, flanges 44, shaft 46, cylinder parts 38, 40 that extend(s) through an opening in deck 34 that is partly covered with cover 54 enabling rotation of telescopic module 36 around shaft 46 in response to two or more roll compensation drives 56 that are controlled by roll compensation controller 58. It will be understood that another configuration can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention. For example, use can be made of one, two, three, four or more compensation drives 56. The exact number of drives 56 can be chosen in accordance with the specific application.

Compensation frame 52 is at least partly provided in room or part 60 that is part of ship module or part 62. Telescopic module 36 further comprises a relatively slow height adjustment cylinder/controller 64 and a fast height compensation cylinder/controller 66.

Compensation system 68 (fig. 3) enables rotation of the support of telescopic module 36 with a cylinder around shaft 46 that is substantially parallel or extends along roll axis R of vessel 2. This enables rotating telescopic module 36 of axis bridge system 4 with gangway 6 over an angle +a of 4⁰ or 5° and ~a of 4⁰ to 5°, for example. It will be understood that alternative compensation angles can also be envisaged with the system according to the present invention.

An alternative compensation system 102 (fig. 4) is provided for vessel 104 having portal frame 106. Gangway 108 comprises gangway platform 110 and is connected at joints 112 a,b to a first end of respective side supports 114 a,b that comprise cylinder 116. At a second end, side supports 114 a,b are connected via. joints 118 a,b to deck 120 of vessel 104. Height adjustment drive 122, enables height adjustment of gangway 108 relative to platform 8 and compensation drive 124 enables roll compensation around roll axis R.

People and/or goods need to be transferred between vessel 2 and platform 8. Vessel 2 is preferably positioned backwards in direction A (fig. 1) relative to platform 8 of offshore structure

10. Gangway 6 is connected with bridge tip 22 to platform. 8. If necessary’, undesired movements and/or disturbances around roll axis R can be compensated by roll compensation controller 58 that controls one or more actuators 56, 124. Stationary height adjustment is achieved with the relatively slow' drives/controllers 64, 122. The fast compensation is achieved with relatively fast drives/controllers 66, 124. This increases the operational window’ wherein people and/or goods can be transferred between vessel 2 and platform 8.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

CLAUSES

1. Vessel for transferring crew and/or goods, such as a crew transfer vessel, the vessel comprising an access bridge system, the system comprising:

a gangway having a first end that is connected to the vessel and a second end configured to be connected to an offshore structure or quay side;

a telescopic module configured for adjusting the height of the gangway;

2. Vessel according to clause 1, wherein the roll compensation system is configured for compensation over a roll compensation angle in the range of - 5° to + 5°, preferably in the range of - 4° to -i- 4°.

3. Vessel according to clause 2, wherein the telescopic module comprises a height adjustment drive and a height compensation drive.

4. Vessel according to any of the foregoing clauses, further comprising a compensation system configured for compensation of undesired movements and/or disturbances on the yaw axis and/or pitch-axis.

5. Vessel according to clause 4, wherein the roll compensation system and compensation system are configured independently.

6. Vessel according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the roll compensation frame comprises a support that is connected to a roll compensation hinge.

7. Vessel according to clause 6, wherein the roll compensation hinge is positioned substantially parallel or co-linear to the roll axis of the vessel.

8. Vessel according to clause 7, wherein the roll compensation hinge comprises as haft that substantially extends along the roll axis.

9. Vessel according any of the clauses 6-8, wherein the drive system comprises one or more sub-actuators acting on different positions on the support to control the angle of the support.

10. Vessel according to clause 9, wherein the one or more sub-actuators act on a distance of at least 2 meters, preferably at least 5 meters, from the roll compensation hinge.

11. Vessel according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the roll compensation frame comprises a portal frame having at least two supports that are connected to the vessel at respective connection hinges that are positioned on opposite sides of the vessel.

12. Vessel according to clause 11, wherein the drive system comprises two compensation cylinders for enabling roil adjustment.

13. Method for transferring people and/or goods to and/or from a vessel, such as a crew transfer vessel, according to any of the foregoing clauses, comprising the steps of:

positioning the vessel relative to an offshore structure of quay side; connecting the gangway to the offshore structure or quay side;

compensating undesired movements and/or disturbances on the roll axis with the roll compensation system; and transferring the people and/or goods.

14. Method according to clause 13, wherein the compensating is performed over a roll compensation angle in the range of - 5° to + 5°, preferably in the range of - 4° to + 4°.

15. Method according to clause 13 or 14, further comprising the step of compensating movements and/or disturbances on one or more other axes.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

Ship for the transfer of crew and / or goods, such as a crew transfer ship, the ship comprising an access bridge system, the system comprising:

a brag having a first end connected to the ship and a second end configured to connect to an offshore structure or quay;

a telescopic module configured to adjust the height of the brag.

a roll compensation system configured to compensate for unwanted movements and / or disturbances on the ship's roll axis acting on the bridge, the roll compensation system comprising:

a roll compensation device configured to compensate for the ship's roll axis; and a drive system for the actuator! of the roll compensation frame with at least one roll compensation actuator such that unwanted movements and / or disturbances on the roll axis of the ship can be compensated, the actuator acting on the roll compensation frame thereby independently compensating for the unwanted roll movements and / or disturbances on the roll axis enabling the ship.

Ship according to claim 1, wherein the roll compensation system is configured for compensation over a roll compensation angle in the range of -5 ° to + 5 °, preferably in the range of -4 ° to + 4 °.

Ship according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the telescopic module comprises a height adjustment drive and a height compensation drive.

Ship according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a compensation system configured to compensate for unwanted movements and / or disturbances on the stamp axis (pitch) and / or yaw axis (yaw).

Ship according to claim 4, wherein the roll compensation system and the compensation system are independently configured.

Ship according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the roll compensation frame comprises a support connected to a roi compensation hinge.

Ship according to claim 6, wherein the roi compensation hinge is positioned substantially parallel or co-linear to the ship's roll axis.

Ship according to claim 7, wherein the roi compensation hinge comprises a shaft extending substantially along or over the roll shaft.

Ship according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the propulsion system comprising one or more sub-actuators acting at different positions on the support for controlling the angle of the support.

Ship according to claim 9, wherein the one or more sub-actuators act at a distance of at least 2 meters, preferably at least 5 meters, from the roi compensation hinge.

Ship according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roll compensation frame comprises a pole frame with at least two supports connected to the ship with respective connecting hinges positioned on opposite sides of the ship.

Ship according to claim 11, wherein the propulsion system comprises two compensation cylinders for enabling roll adjustment and comprising two height adjustment cylinders for bridge adjustment.

Method for transferring people and / or goods to and / or from a ship, such as a crew transfer ship, according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

positioning the ship in relation to an offshore structure or quay;

connecting the bridge to the offshore structure or quay;

compensating for unwanted movements and / or disturbances on the roll axis with the roll compensation system; and transferring the people and / or goods.

The method of claim 13, wherein the compensation is performed over a roll compensation angle in the range of -5 ° to + 5 °, preferably in the range of -4 ° to + 4 °.

The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of compensating for movements and / or disturbances on one or more other axes.