Safer Deck Operations

The innovative Safer Deck solutions are designed to make life safer for the crews of offshore service vessels who have to work on deck during anchor handling operations or when transferring cargo at rigs and platforms. Wires, shackles and chains, which may be under great tension are handled by remote control, minimising manual work on deck.

A new sea fastening system permits containers and pipes on deck to be shifted and secured with less risk to crew.

At the heart of the system is a pair of double-boom cargo rail cranes that run on rails the full length of the working deck bulwarks. The hoisting boom has a winch and is able to move equipment to and from any point on the deck and also reach out over the stern.

When handling chains and wires, the working boom is used. Rolls-Royce has designed special manipulators to act as mechanical 'hands' for the cranes. They work in conjunction with towing pins, shark jaws and centring devices. All tasks can be carried out by the crew remotely.

A mini simulator can be programmed with realistic work operations and is small enough to be placed on board, for crew training to improve competence levels and thereby safety levels.