The latest O shore Passenger Transfer System

Palfinger Marine is currently updating their state-of-the-art transportation system for the maritime and o shore industry – the O shore Passenger Transfer System (OPTS).

At Nor-Shipping 2023, Palfinger Marine will showcase a model of this technology for the first time. The OPTS is a 3D-compensated passenger and cargo transfer system. Designed specifically for marine applications in all kinds of environmental conditions, it compensates on all axes to absorb waves and other motions. It thereby facilitates the safe and e cient transfer of people and cargo between a moving vessel and a static o shore structure such as a wind turbine or drilling platform.

The state-of-the-art system is an excellent tool to service fixed or semifloating o shore installations or perform de-commissioning work o shore. When mounted on small, cost-e cient vessels, the OPTS makes it possible to carry out operations at reduced expense. It can also be installed on service operation vessels (SOV), since the OPTS is equipped with a winch that allows the system to be used as a 3D compensated crane.

“With the OPTS, Palfinger demonstrates its innovational strength and position as a provider of complete solutions. The system sets a milestone in the energy transition as it supports, for instance, infrastructure developments in the o shore wind industry or decommissioning activities in the oil and gas sector”, says Gunther Fleck, Vice President Sales & Service Region Marine at Palfinger.

The OPTS comes in two variations –either as a fixed or mobile unit. The mobile version is the same size as a 67.3m3 container, which makes it easy to transport. It can be mobilised and mounted on di erent vessels. The mobile OPTS is integrated and mounted on the base frame, so it only needs to be secured on deck. The fixed OPTS is designed for permanent installation on avessel, meaning the base frame is not required and the hydraulic power unit (HPU) can be placed below deck.

With its innovative OPTS, Palfinger Marine introduces a new approach to transport both personnel and cargo of up to 1,000kg in a very cost-e ective manner.

Sverre Mowinckel-Nilsen, Head of Global Marine Sales Solution Management at Palfinger sums it up, “With the updated solution, Palfinger responds to the latest requirements of the o shore industry. The technology constitutes a new standard in terms of accuracy, multifunctionality, and – most importantly – safety for the operators.”

With its innovative OPTS, Palfinger Marine introduces a new approach to transport both personnel and cargo of up to 1,000kg in a very cost-e ective manner. To take on the booming market of o shore transfer systems, the company acquired the system in 2021 and is now intensively working on an updated version with an improved design and enhanced functions. At Nor-Shipping 2023, which will take place in Oslo, Norway, from 6 to 9 June, visitors will get an exclusive first glimpse of the new OPTS. The prototype is scheduled to be finished within the first quarter of 2024. i. palfingermarine.com

With around 1,000 leading companies of the maritime industry readying to showcase their latest innovations, NorShipping is one of the most important trade fairs for the European shipping market. “We can imagine no better place to present our latest innovation, the OPTS, than Nor-Shipping 2023 – the hotspot for global key decision makers in the maritime field. Above all, the trade show is the best place to exchange ideas with our customers and partners. This way, we can provide future-focused concepts and shape the future of the industry together”, adds MowinckelNilsen.