WO2015163755A1

WO2015163755A1 - Gangway assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015163755A1
Application number: PCT/NL2015/000015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cornelis Rietema KLAAS
Original assignee: Klaas Cornelis Rietema
Priority date: 2014-04-22
Filing date: 2015-04-20
Publication date: 2015-10-29
Also published as: EP3137685A1; NL2012664B1; NL2012664A

Abstract

A gangway assembly for the transfer of people between a first platform and a second platform which are situated at a distance from each other, in which the gangway assembly comprises a base which can be mounted on the first platform, and a series of articulated gangway sections which can be connected together by means of pivot bearings, whereby the gangway can be extended from its retracted state, in which the gangway sections lie one on top of the other on the base unit, and an extended state in which the gangway portions extend out from the base to the second platform where the gangway comes to rest.

Description

Gangway Assembly

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a gangway assembly enabling the flow of people between a first platform and a second platform which are situated at a distance from each other. For example, the first platform is a permanent offshore drilling or production platform and the second platform a jack-up barge or jack-up vessel that temporarily rises above the water level on retractable legs. Often there is a height difference between the platforms that need to be bridged, and additionally the difference in height may change during the course of time through the settling of the lowered retractable legs into the sea bed .

Existing types of gangway are temporary and constructed on site offshore, on the lowest platform, often from the drilling or production barge: a climbing tower is built using scaffolding or staircase structure, from which a gangway is laid to the other platform. The scaffolding or staircase is often craned over from the jack-up barge and taken away again on departure. This is labour-intensive and relatively unsafe and a crane have to be available all time to transfer the material. Finally, the last people to dismantle the climbing tower must be transferred safely back using a man cage on the crane. These requirements cause delays in the final stages of arrival and departure of the jack-up barge or jack-up vessel.

The invention relates to a gangway assembly for the transfer of people between a first platform and a second platform, that can be constructed safely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the first aspect, the invention provides a gangway assembly for the transfer of people between a mobile offshore platform and a fixed offshore platform which are situated at a distance from and often at different heights to each other, whereby the gangway assembly is linked to a rotatable base unit mounted on a ground plate and whereby the ground plate is then fixed to the deck of the mobile offshore platform, with a series of articulated gangway sections which can be connected together by means of slewing ring bearings, whereby the gangway can be moved between a retracted position, in which the gangway sections lie one on top of the other on top of the rotatable base unit, and an extended position in which the gangway sections extend out from the rotatable base unit to the fixed offshore platform where the gangway end is support with a roller support for free movements to follow the small mobile offshore platform movements

According to the invention, the gangway assembly on its ground plate can be set in advance in the position where a crossing will be needed, and fixed in place on the mobile platform. By extending the articulated gangway a crossing can be achieved quickly, and the gangway can be removed by retracting the assembly away again. A staircase tower, a horizontal gangway and the transfer of personnel to the fixed offshore platform for installation are hereby no longer required.

In one design version, the gangway sections are equipped with stair treads whereby, on the side of the slewing ring bearing between the gangway sections, the gangway assembly is provided with a turn around platform with a shorter counter gangway section with stairs, so that in the gangway assembly's extended position, the sections of the turnaround platform connect with one another. The turn around platform with counter gangway section with staircase make it possible to span a large height differential between the mobile offshore platform and fixed offshore platform. In its retracted position, the gangway assembly on the ground plate does not take up much deck space and in this position it is also easy to move and to transport.

In one design version, the gangway sections and the turnaround platform running along are equipped with a connected balustrade, so that the stairs can be traversed safely.

In one design version, on the side of the slewing ring bearing, the gangway sections are equipped with, respectively, an in-flow and out-flow with a straight walking surface, whereby the counter staircase forms the transition between the out-flow and the in-flow.

In one design version, in the gangway's extended position, on the side of the slewing ring bearing, the staircases of the successive sections of the gangway are positioned directly under each other vertically, and the counter staircases are adjacent to them. In this way, any number of gangway sections can be fitted together in a connected series with slewing ring bearings.

In one design version, the first part of the gangway section has a staircase with a turnaround platform and a counter staircase. The second part of the gangway is designed as a flat bridging section in order to provide a flat surface over the stairs. If desired it is possible, in this form, to reduce the vertical height differential by placing this gangway section horizontally or at a slight angle.

In one design version, the first gangway section is connected by means of a slewing ring bearing to the rotatable base unit supports, whereby the first gangway section rotates on a horizontal axis relative to the base unit and whereby the base unit is connected to the ground plate by means of a slewing ring bearing for the rotation of the gangway on a vertical axis. The gangway may then be lowered and rotated from the base unit in order to place the end at the correct location on the fixed offshore platform.

In one design version, all the slewing ring bearings are driven directly and controlled by a control panel which is mounted on the ground plate.

In one design version, the gangway sections are equipped with a straight walkway, and along it a balustrade, extending over the entire length of the gangway. In the extended position, the gangway sections can be placed together directly lengthways in order to bridge a relatively long horizontal distance.

In an iteration of this design version, there is a lower deck for utilities underneath the walkway of the gangway sections, which extends across the entire width of the walkway whereby, in the gangway's extended position, the lower deck fits together lengthwise. The lower deck can be used for electricity cables, air hoses, fire mains, signal cables and other utilities which are required between the offshore platforms during the operation. In one design version, the gangway sections are provided with an erectable or fold-away roof which extends directly above the staircases or the walking surface, where in its retracted position, the roof sits on or between the balustrade and in its extended position, it extends some distance above it. The roof can be raised and put into position when the gangway sections are extended. The roof may be required for extra safety.

In one design version, the ground plate has a rectangular beam frame with corner castings in the corners on the underside in accordance with a 1 TEU or 2 TEU shipping container, so that it can be fixed in a standard manner on the deck of the mobile offshore platform. The upper side of the base plate has lifting eyes so that the whole unit can be lifted in one piece with a crane. In this way, the floor plate with the gangway assembly can be put down easily and moved into any desired location on the mobile offshore deck and additionally it can be taken on board the mobile offshore platform in a single lift.

In one design version, the gangway extends out from its retracted position lengthwise from the base plate and can be rotated into any desired position.

In one design version, the gangway extends out lengthwise from the base plate to the rear above the mobile offshore platform with the walkway and lower deck upside down. In this position, the required utilities can be installed and any other necessary works can be carried out on the bridge.

In one design version, the gangway extends out directly upwards. In this position, the rotatable base unit can be turned a maximum of 180° relative to the base plate in one and then the other direction, in order for the gangway to then be lowered in its extended position onto the deck of the mobile offshore platform. In this position it is possible to install the utilities with the walkway and lower deck the right way up. The lower deck is now situated on the underside of the walkway, in the same position used for the crossing over from the mobile offshore platform to the fixed offshore platform. In this position the lower deck and upper deck are easily accessible for the completion of works.

In one design version, in its retracted position, the second gangway section moves into the interior of the first gangway section. The two gangway sections may be slightly staggered in relation to each other so that the upright walls of the second gangway section fit alongside the walls of the first gangway section. The first gangway section can be wider than the second gangway section so that the second gangway section fits within the first gangway section. Conversely, it is also possible to have a narrower first gangway section and a broader second gangway section. The slewing ring bearings are located in the upright walls of the gangway sections. This version has gangway sections with continuous flat walkways and is characterized by a lower construction height in the retracted position.

In one design version, in its retracted position, the second gangway section comes to lie in or on the first gangway section in order to tilt the second gangway section upwards, whereby the rotation points are located in the upright walls of the gangway sections. The gangway sections are thereby staggered in relation to each other so that the upright walls of the gangway sections fit alongside each other. The second gangway section can also be made wider or narrower than that of the first gangway section. In the case of a wider second gangway section, the second gangway section fits in its entirety over the first section. In the case of a narrower second gangway section, this section fits in its entirety within the first gangway section.

According to a second aspect, in an alternative iteration, the invention provides a gangway assembly for the transfer of people between a first platform and a second platform which are situated at a distance from each other, in which the gangway assembly comprises a base unit which can be mounted on the first platform, and a series of articulated gangway sections which can be connected together by means of slewing ring bearings, whereby the gangway can be extended from its retracted position, in which the gangway sections lie one on top of the other on the base unit, into an extended position in which the gangway sections extend out from the base to the second platform where the gangway comes to rest. In this alternative formulation, the aforementioned ground plate under the base unit and, preferably, the aforementioned base unit, can be incorporated.

According to the design of the invention, the gangway assembly can be placed in advance in the position where a crossing will be needed and fixed in place on the first platform. By extending the articulated gangway, a crossing can be achieved quickly, and the gangway can be removed by retracting the assembly away again. A climbing tower and a man cage for the transfer of the first or last people are not required.

In one design version, the gangway sections are equipped with a staircase with stair treads whereby, on the side of the slewing ring bearing between the gangway sections, the gangway assembly is provided with a turnaround platform with a shorter counter staircase, so that in its extended position, the sections of the turnaround platform of the gangway connect with one another. The turnaround platform with counter staircase makes it possible to overcome a large height differential between the first platform and second platform within a relatively short horizontal distance.

In an iteration of this design version, the gangway sections and the turn around platform running along and in between the staircases are equipped with a connected balustrade, so that the stairs can be traversed safely.

In one design version, on the side of the hinge point with the second gangway section, the gangway sections are equipped with, respectively, with a straight walking surface, where the counter staircase forms the transition between the out-flow and the in-flow.

In one design version, in the gangway's extended position, on the side of the hinge point, the staircases of the successive sections of the gangway are positioned directly under each other vertically, and the counter staircases are adjacent to them. In this way, any number of gangway sections can be connected together with slewing ring bearings.

In one design version, the first gangway section on the side of the base unit is connected by means of a slewing ring bearing to a support which enables the rotation of the first gangway section on a horizontal axis relative to the base unit, where the support is connected to the base unit by means of a turntable for the rotation of the gangway on a vertical axis. The gangway may then be lowered and rotated from its base in order to place the end at the correct location on the second platform.

In one design version, the first gangway section on the side of the base unit is connected by means of a slewing ring bearing to a support which enables the hingeing of the first gangway section on a horizontal axis relative to the base unit, where the support is connected to the base unit by means of a turntable for the rotation of the gangway on a vertical axis. The gangway may then be lowered and rotated from its base in order to place the end at the correct location on the second platform.

In one design version, the turntable and / or the slewing ring bearings are all driven directly, preferably by means of a remote control, enabling overseeing of the extension and retraction of the gangway .

In one design version, the gangway sections are equipped with a straight walking surface and balustrade, extending over the entire length of the gangway. In its extended state, the gangway sections can be placed directly together lengthways in order to bridge a relatively long horizontal distance.

In an iteration of this design version, underneath the walking surface of the gangways sections is a utility channel that extends across the entire width of the walking surface where, in the gangway's extended state, the utility channels fit together lengthwise. The utility channel can be used to securely support electricity and other cables and or hoses running between the platforms.

In one design version, the gangway sections are provided with an erectable or fold-away roof which is positioned directly above the staircases or the walking surface, where in its retracted state, the roof sits on or between the balustrade and in its extended state, it extends some distance above it. The roof can be raised when the gangway sections are extended and laid in position.

In one design version, the base unit has a rectangular base with corner castings at the corners in accordance with a 1 TEU or 2 TEU shipping container, so that it can be placed and fixed on deck of the offshore platform in a standard way. At the top side for the base, lifting eyes are fitted for lifting with a crane in one go. De base unit can be placed at every location at the offshore platform as well relocated on board the platform.

In one design version, in its retracted state, the gangway extends itself out lengthwise from the base unit and can be rotated around to every direction .

The specifications and conclusions described herein and/or the aspects and measures illustrated in the drawings of this application may also, where possible, be applied individually from one other. These individual aspects could be the subject of separate patent applications. This applies in particular to the measures and aspects that are described in the subsequent conclusions.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be illustrated in several example iterations in the accompanying drawings. The following will be presented:

Figures 1A and IB a gangway assembly according to an initial design version of the invention, in retracted position and in extended position of the gangway;

Figures 2A-2D are schematic side elevations of the gangway during extension in accordance with figures 1A and IB;

Figures 3A and 3B a gangway assembly according to an initial design version of the invention, in retracted position and in extended position of the gangway; and

Figures 4A-4C are schematic side elevations of the gangway during extension in accordance with figures 3A and 3B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1A and IB show a gangway assembly 1 mounted on a ground plate 3 in accordance with an initial version of the invention. The gangway assembly 1 at the ground plate 3 is suitable for the construction of a temporary walkway between two platforms, where one platform, for example, is a permanent offshore drilling platform and the second platform a mobile jack-up barge on retractable legs that temporarily rises above the water level. Next to a distance, often there is a height difference between the platforms that need to be bridged, and additionally the difference in height.

The gangway assembly 1 comprises a rotating base unit 10 mounted on a rectangular ground plate 3 and corner castings 4 (twist locks) at the corner points. Thus the ground plate 3 has the same contour and connections as the underside of a standard 20-foot or

40-foot sea container. Also more corner castings can be fitted to the ground plate to maximize positioning locations at the main deck of the mobile offshore platform

At a short distance from one of the short sides of the ground plate 3 a powered rotating base (turntable) which supports the base 10. The turntable enables a rotation of the base 10 in direction A on a vertical axis.

The gangway assembly 1 is equipped with an articulated gangway 20 comprising a first gangway section 21, a second gangway section 22, and an output stage section 23. The first gangway section 21 and the second gangway section 22 both comprise a straight first floor 25 having on both sides a straight, upstanding balustrade 26. The first floor 25 has a straight walking surface. The railings 26 have been placed and connected on the underside to a second floor 28 to join with the first floor 25 to form a utility channel 30.

The first gangway section 21 is attached at the front side by means of the slewing ring bearings 40 to two upright supports 11 from the base 10. The slewing ring bearings 40 are provided with a drive 12 for rotation of the first gangway section 21 in direction B on a horizontal axis at an angle γ of more than half a revolution.

The second gangway section 22 is at its front side connected also to slewing ring bearings which are connected to two down supports 49 both at the back of. the fist gangway section 21. The slewing ring bearings are directly driven for the rotation of the second gangway section 22 in the direction C around the horizontal axis at an angle γ by more than half a rotation. The second gangway section 22 is provided with two side supports 48 too on which the slewing ring bearings 50 are connected. The first gangway section 21 is provided with a drive for rotation of the second gangway section 22 relative to the first gangway section 21 by means of the slewing ring bearings 50 in the direction C on a horizontal axis by half a rotation, where in its most extended position the first gangway section 21 extends directly lengthwise into the first gangway section 21.

The first gangway section 21 and the second gangway section 22 are both provided with an elongated roof 6 which by means of the hinged supports 7 are connected to the balustrade 26. The roofs 6 can be set up in the direction E and lowered, whereby in the lowered position the roofs 6 are located directly on the balustrade 26 and in the extended position they extend from the end of the gangway section 20. The low stair end section 23 has a staircase 58 having on both sides a straight, upright balustrade 59 which are connected with the second gangway section 22 by means of the third slewing ring bearings 60. The output stage section 23 can be rotated, by means of the third slewing ring bearings, in direction D on a horizontal axis. Underneath the third pivot bearings 60, the second gangway section 22 is equipped with support wheels 61 for support at the fixed offshore platform. The support wheels does have free rotation in all directions.

The operation of the gangway assembly 1 during the extension of the gangway 20 is shown schematically in figures 2A-2D. Hereby, as shown in figure 2D, a walkway is formed between the mobile jack-up barge 81 and a lower fixed offshore platform 80. The gangway connection can be also in the opposite way of course, from the lower positioned mobile offshore platform 81 towards the higher positioned fixed offshore platform 80. Also the first gangway section can have a straight floor and the second gangway section stair threads to enable a higher elevation bridging.

As shown in figure 2A, the base unit 2 of the retracted gangway assembly 1 can be installed and fixed with the short side at the edge of the first platform 81 by means standard "twistlock" container couplings. Subsequently, as shown in successive figures 2B and 2C, the first gangway section 21 is moved upwards in direction B in relation to the second gangway section 22 which is extended in direction C until it lies completely in the extension of the first gangway section 21. During this extension process, as shown in figure 2C, the roofs are also set up in direction E. As illustrated in figure 2D, the extended gangway 20 can then be manoeuvered in directions A and B in order to position the low stair end 23 so that it lands at the desired location on the second platform 80, whereby the support wheels 61 ensure that the steps of the staircase 58 arrive in the horizontal position necessary. The slewing ring bearings 40 then rotate through an angle γ of more than 180 degrees in order to bridge the height difference. The drives can be controlled remotely or from a control panel at the gound plate 3 to facilitate the safe extension, overseen from the first platform 81.

Figures 3A and 3B show a gangway assembly 101 according to a second design version of the invention. The gangway assembly 101 is suitable for building a temporary gangway connection between the aforementioned two platforms 80, 81, enabling a substantial height difference between the platforms to be bridged.

The gangway assembly 101 comprises a turntable 110 fitted onto a rectangular ground plate 103 and container casting 104 (twist locks) at the corner points. Thus the base unit 103 has the same contour and connections as the underside of a standard 20- foot or 40-foot sea container. At a short distance from one of the short sides of the ground plate 103 has a powered turntable which supports a base 110. The turntable enables a rotation of the base 110 in direction A on a vertical axis.

The gangway assembly 101 is provided with an articulated gangway 120 comprising a first gangway section 121 and a second gangway section 122. The first gangway section 121 and the second gangway section 122 both include a straight staircase 125 with a straight, upright balustrade 126 along both sides.

The front side of the first gangway section 121 has a walk-in section 128 with a straight floor 129 having a walking surface that runs parallel to the steps of staircase 125. At walk-in section 128, the first gangway section 121 is attached by means of first slewing ring bearings 140 to two upstanding supports 111 from the base 110. The ground plate 110 is equipped with a drive 112 for the rotation of the first gangway section 121 by means of the first pivot bearings 40 in direction B on a horizontal axis at an angle γ of more than half a revolution.

The rear side of the first gangway section 121 is provided^' with two supports 149 which are connected by means of slewing ring bearings 150 to the ends of the balustrades 126 on the second gangway section 122.

The first gangway section 121 is provided with a drive for the rotation of the second gangway section 122 relative to the first gangway section 121, by means of the second pivot bearings 150, in direction C on a horizontal axis. Consistent with the first design version, the gangway sections 121, 122 are provided with an extendable roof 6 on the balustrades 126 that is placed above the staircases.

The rear side of the first gangway section 121 is provided with a three-quarter turn around platform 190. The turn around platform 190 includes a first straight floor 191 with a walking surface that connects the end of the staircase 125 with a shorter counter staircase 193 located on the opposite side of the nearby support 149. The turn around platform 190 includes a second straight floor 192 with a walking surface which extends in the direction of the bypass up to the support 149 alongside which the counter staircase 193 extends. The turn around platform 190 has an extending balustrade 194, which runs along the outer side of the straight floor 191, 192 and the counter staircase balustrade 194.

The front side of the second gangway section 122 has a walk-in section 123 with a straight floor 124 having a walking surface that runs parallel to the steps of staircase 125. The walk-in section 123 is provided with an upright balustrade 195 which is connected to the outermost balustrade along the staircase 125. In the most extended state of the gangway 120, the second floor 124 lies in the extension of the second floor 192 of the turnaround platform 190 and the provided balustrades 194, 195 are extensions of one other. The end of the second gangway section 121, 122 has an exit point 127 with a floor 159 having a walking surface which runs parallel to the steps of the staircase 125.

The operation of gangway assembly 101 during extension of the gangway 120 is shown schematically in figures 4A-4D. As shown in figure 2D, a walkway connection is hereby formed between a first upper mobile platform 81, for example the deck of the drilling jack-up barge, and a significantly lower second fixed offshore platform 80.

As shown in figure 4A, the base unit 103 of the retracted gangway assembly 101 can be installed and fixed with the twistlock container couplings and/or additional welded plate connections. Subsequently, as shown in successive figures 4B and 4C, the first gangway section 121 is moved upwards in direction B in relation to the second gangway section 122 which is extended in direction C until the staircases 125 extend partly beneath and parallel to each other. The turn around platform 190 then locks the staircases

125 to one another. During this extension process the roofs (not drawn) are simultaneously set up in direction E. The extended gangway 20 can then be manoeuvered in directions A and B in order to position the exit point 127 so that it lands at the desired location on the second platform 80. The drives of the slewing ring bearings can be controlled remotely or control panel to facilitate overseeing of the safe extension.

Via the gangway assemblies 1, 101, people can safely cross over from the one platform 80, 81 to the other. The retracting of the gangway assemblies 1, 101 runs in the reverse order and can be completely operated from the side of the base units 2. This gives the advantage that all personnel can cross over to the first platform 81 shortly beforehand. There is, therefore, no need for anyone to remain behind in order to assist in the retraction of the gangway assembly 1 or the breaking down of resources, and no one has to be subsequently transferred by means of a man cage from a crane which has to be kept available for this purpose.

The above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred design versions of the invention, and not to limit the scope of the invention. Using the above explanation as a starting point, it will be evident to a skilled person that there may be many variations which fall within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

C O N C L U S I O N S

1. Gangway assembly mounted on a ground plate for the transfer of people between a mobile offshore platform and a fixed offshore platform which are situated at a distance from and often at different heights to each other, whereby the gangway assembly is linked to a rotatable base unit mounted by means of a slewing ring bearing to a base plate and whereby the base plate is fixed to the deck of the mobile offshore platform, with a series of articulated gangway sections which can be connected together by means of slewing ring bearings, whereby the gangway can be moved between a retracted position, in which the gangway sections lie with the bottom plane to the bottom plane and in a backwards position on top of the rotatable base unit or the base plate, and an extended position in which the gangway sections extend out from the rotatable base unit to the fixed offshore platform where the gangway comes to rest.

2. Gangway assembly according to conclusion

1, whereby the gangway sections are equipped with a staircase with stair treads, whereby the first gangway section of the gangway assembly ends in a turn around platform with a shorter counter staircase with stair treads, so that in its extended position, the sections of the turn around platform of the gangway connect to one another.

3. Gangway assembly according to conclusion

2, whereby the gangway sections and the turn around platforms along and between the staircases are provided with a continuous balustrade.

4. Gangway assembly according to conclusion 2 or 3, whereby the gangway sections, on the side of the slewing ring joints, are equipped with, respectively, an in-flow and out-flow with a straight walking surface, where the counter staircase forms the transition between the out-flow and the in-flow.

5. Gangway assembly according to any of the conclusions 2-4, where in the gangway's extended position, on the side of the slewing ring joints, the staircases of the successive sections of the gangway are positioned directly under each other vertically, and the counter staircases are adjacent to them.

6. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby one of the gangway sections is a staircase and the other section is a straight walking surface.

7. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby all the slewing ring bearings are directly driven.

8. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby a control panel for the operation of the gangway is mounted on the base plate.

9. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby the gangway sections are equipped with a straight walking surface with a balustrade running along it, extending over the entire length of the gangway section.

10. Gangway according to conclusion 9, whereby underneath the walking surface, the gangway sections are equipped with a utility channel that extends across the entire width of the walking surface whereby, in the extended position, the utility channels fit together lengthwise.

11. Gangway according to conclusions 3 or 9, whereby the gangway sections are provided with an erectable or fold-away roof which is positioned directly above the staircase or the walking surface, where in its retracted position, the roof sits on or between the balustrade and in its extended condition, it extends some distance above it.

12. Gangway according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby the ground plate consists of a frame construction with at the corners and intermediate corner castings in accordance with a 1 TEU or 2 TEU shipping container

13. Gangway according to conclusion 12, whereby in its retracted position, the gangway extends itself out lengthways from the base plate.

14. Gangway according to conclusions 9 or

10, whereby the gangway sections are extendable directly upwards into an upright position, and whereby the extended gangway can then be rotated vertically using the rotatable base unit in order to bring the extended gangway into position onto the deck of the mobile offshore platform.

15. Gangway assembly according to conclusions 9 or 10, whereby the gangway sections are extendable directly upwards into an upright position, and whereby the extended gangway can subsequently be tilted in order to be positioned on the deck of the mobile offshore platform, being rotated vertically as necessary using the rotatable base unit.

16. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby in its retracted position the second gangway section comes to lie in or over the first gangway section in order to tilt the second gangway section upwards, whereby the rotation points are located in the upright walls of the gangway sections.

17. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions, whereby the gangway assembly can be directly coupled to the deck of a mobile or fixed offshore platform or another construction.

18. Gangway assembly according to one of the previous conclusions but in an on-shore application.

19. Gangway assembly equipped with one or more of the characteristics detailed in the attached written description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

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