WO2017135821A1

WO2017135821A1 - Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge, ship provided therewith and method there for

Info

Publication number: WO2017135821A1
Application number: PCT/NL2017/050068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Hessels
Original assignee: U-Sea Beheer B.V.
Priority date: 2016-02-03
Filing date: 2017-02-02
Publication date: 2017-08-10

Abstract

Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge, ship provided therewith and method there for. The bridge comprises: • - a telescopic bridge (2) having a first bridge part with a first bridge end (24), and at least one telescopic bridge part with a second bridge end (26); • - a telescopic pedestal (4) comprising a telescopic part (10) configured for adjusting the height of the first end of the telescopic bridge; • - a pedestal drive (30) for driving the telescopic part of the telescopic pedestal; and • - a luffing cylinder (32) arranged between the pedestal and the telescopic bridge and configured to rotate the telescopic bridge around a substantially horizontal rotation axis.

Description

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE MARINE TELESCOPIC ACCESS BRIDGE, SHIP PROVIDED THEREWITH AND METHOD THERE FOR

The present invention relates to a height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge configured for providing access and egress to and from a unit, such as a work vessel, service and maintenance vessel, unit or vehicle, and also to or from other units, such as offshore structures or wind turbine foundations.

Marine access bridges that are known from practice require manoeuvring between a use position and a storage position. Depending on the specific configuration of the accessed unit, the access bridge is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal. Such slope may lead to hazardous situations, especially considering the varying (marine) conditions and the substantial forces acting on the bridge.

The object according the present invention is to obviate or reduce the aforementioned problems, and to provide easy and safe access and egress to and from an accessed unit.

This objective is achieved with the height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to the invention, the bridge comprising:

a telescopic bridge having a first bridge part with a first bridge end. and at least one telescopic bridge part with a second bridge end;

a telescopic pedestal comprising a telescopic part configured for adjusting the height of the first end of the telescopic bridge;

a pedestal drive for driving the telescopic part of the telescopic pedestal; and a luffing cylinder arranged between the pedestal and the telescopic bridge and configured to rotate the telescopic bridge around a substantially horizontal rotation axis.

The marine telescopic access bridge, including so-called gangways, enables transfer of people and/or goods between a unit provided with such bridge, such as a ship/vessel, and a further accessed unit, such as a fixed platform, including an oil platform, dock, vessel, wind turbine, etc. More particularly, the telescopic bridge having a first bridge part and at least one telescopic bridge part enables adjustment of the length of the bridge thereby bridging the distance between the pedestal of the access bridge and the accessed unit, in particular the landing zone thereof.

Providing a telescopic pedestal comprising a telescopic part enables adjustment of the height of at least the first end of the telescopic bridge. This enables an adjustment of this height to the height of the accessed unit, in particular the landing zone thereof. This adjustment enables a reduction or minimization of the slope of the telescopic bridge as compared to conventional access bridges. This enables save transfer of people or goods from or to an access unit. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the telescopic pedestal houses the telescopic part in a cylinder-type configuration. The first end of the telescopic bridge is directly or indirectly connected to the telescopic part of the pedestal to enable height adjustment. The pedestal drive drives the telescopic part of the pedestal to positon the first end of the telescopic bridge at the desired height. The desired height is preferably about equal to the height of the landing zone of the accessed unit, such that the slope of the bridge is minimized.

In a presently preferred embodiment the telescopic pedestal comprises one telescopic part enabling raising the first end of the telescopic bridges from a retracted position to an extended position over a distance in the range of 2-20 metres, preferably 5-15 metres and most preferably in the range of 6-10 metres .

The distance between the pedestal and the accessed unit, in particular the platform or the landing zone thereof, is bridged with the at least one telescopic bridge part of the telescopic bridge having a second bridge end that connects to the landing zone. Extending and retracting of the one or more of the telescopic bridge parts relative to the first or main bridge part is achieved by the telescopic bridge drive.

The second end of the telescopic bridge part preferably comprises a bridge tip that is configured for connecting to another unit in a position of use. Providing such bridge tip enables a correct and stable position of the bridge to the accessed unit and, in addition, enables a flexible setup for allowing a flexible landing zone for multiple configurations. This enables easy access and regress between the access bridge according to the invention and the accessed unit, such as a work vessel, service and maintenance vessel, unit or vehicle, and other structures, such as offshore structures and wind turbine foundations.

Optionally, a telescopic bridge part further comprises an inflatable bridge tip. The inflatable bridge tip enables flexible contact with the landing zone and compensates (slight) misalignments and small movements. In fact, the inflatable bridge tip acts as kind of bumper element. Other tip executions are also possible in a preferred model or design of the bridge according to the present invention.

A luffing cylinder is arranged between the pedestal and telescopic bridge and is arranged to rotate the telescopic bridge around a substantially horizontal rotation access. This luffing cylinder enables to move the telescopic bridge from a storage position to a use position. In the storage position the telescopic bridge is stored substantially vertical in a retract way, rests on the deck of the ship provided with the telescopic access bridge, rests on a support that is provided on a ship or is stored in another suitable manner. In use the luffing cylinder enables positioning the pedestal of the telescopic bridge into a substantially horizontal position.

In a presently preferred embodiment the luffing cylinder comprises two cylinders to enable a stable, robust and reliable movement of the telescopic bridge. In a presently preferred embodiment the telescopic pedestal comprises a slewing mechanism and a slewing drive configured for rotating the pedestal around a substantially vertical rotation axis. Preferably, the slewing mechanism enables a rotation of at least 180°, more preferably 240°, and most preferably enables a rotation of a 360° endless turn. The slewing drive is preferably arranged on the stationary part of the pedestal.

The drives, including the telescopic bridge drive, the drives for a luffing cylinder, the pedestal drive, and slewing drive, are hydraulic drives in presently preferred embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that other types of drives could also be envisaged, including electric drives.

In the presently preferred embodiment the telescopic pedestal part moves between a retracted and an extended position. Optionally, intermediate positions are also possible, thereby increasing the flexibility of the height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge to deal with different heights or altitudes of the landing zone of the accessed units.

Furthermore, in presently preferred embodiments according to the invention, preferably at or close to the first end of the telescopic bridge, an intermediate platform is provided. Such intermediate platform improves the operational use of the access bridge.

In a presently preferred embodiment according to the present invention the telescopic bridge comprises a lift.

By providing the telescopic bridge with a lift, the first end of the telescopic bridge can be reached relatively easy from the deck of a ship, for example. Furthermore, providing a lift obviates the need for any additional elements, such as an additional stairs. This reduces the required amount of space for the height adjustable telescopic marine telescopic access bridge according to the invention. Especially in case the access bridge is installed on a ship the available space thereon is limited. Furthermore, the lift ensures that safe access from the deck of the ship is provided to the telescopic bridge.

Preferably, the lift is arranged inside of the telescopic pedestal, thereby providing stability and safety of the lift. It will be understood that other configurations of the lift adjacent the pedestal or connected to the outer surface of the pedestal could also be envisaged. A further advantage of providing the lift inside the telescopic pedestal is the reduction of the risk of damaging the lift while performing operations on the ship, for example pipe handling or loading/unloading of goods.

Preferably, the lift is mounted in a separate frame that in a presently preferred embodiment is situated inside the telescopic pedestal enabling rotation around a substantially vertical rotation access.

In a further preferred embodiment the height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge comprises a crane. Providing the pedestal of the access bridge with a crane increases the flexibility of the system according to the invention for performing different operations, in addition, the combination of the bridge and crane in one bridge-crane system reduces the required space on a ship as compared to two individual systems. Also, a ship provided with the bridge-crane system has more operational possibilities and can be used in more tasks. This renders such ship more cost effective.

Furthermore, the combination of a crane and an access bridge only requires one aggregate for driving the bridge-crane system, and only one (steel) base frame. Also, one (combined) motion reference unit (MRU) may suffice. This significantly reduces installation costs and renders a ship provided with such system even more cost effective.

A further effect of the combination of the crane and access bridge in a bridge -crane system is that such system enables simultaneous operation. It is no longer required to reposition the ship to enable use of the crane that is located at a different location than the bridge. This significantly reduces the required time when performing the desired operation(s) with the bridge and crane. This improves the operational efficiency of the system.

The crane may rotate together with the pedestal of the bridge. Preferably, the crane comprises a separate crane slewing mechanism and a crane slewing drive configured for rotating the crane around a substantially vertical rotation axis relative to the telescopic access bridge. Providing a separate slewing mechanism for the crane enables independent manoeuvring of the crane relative to the bridge. This improves the operational possibilities for the integrated crane- bridge system.

The crane can be provided in different embodiments, preferably including one or two luffing cylinders and one or two hoisting systems capable of lifting goods.

In a presently preferred embodiment the crane further comprises a motion compensation system.

Providing a motion compensation system that is configured for active and/or passive compensation of heave, varying marine conditions and other disturbances acting on the crane, improves the operational window of the crane. The motion compensation system preferably comprises a compensation controller and a compensating drive steering the compensators.

Preferably, the compensators include the luffing cylinders. This reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving the operational window of operations, while maintaining a cost effective system.

In a presently preferred embodiment the compensators are formed by the luffing cylinders and slewing drive enabling compensating undesired effects. If the lifting cylinders and slewing drive are used as compensators, the amount of space needed is reduced. This is especially advantageous in loading and offshore situations where available space is often limited. In a presently preferred embodiment the crane is a telescopic crane. The telescopic (knuckle) boom of the crane in such embodiment according to the present invention preferably comprises a main telescopic part, one or more telescopic part(s) and a telescopic drive. Preferably, the main telescopic part houses the telescopic part. The telescopic part is configured to extend and/or retract relatively to the main telescopic part. A telescopic drive, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is configured for extending and retracting the telescopic part. Providing a telescopic knuckle boom improves the flexibility of the crane for dealing with different situations. This telescopic knuckle boom enlarges the operational reach of the crane without increasing the required storage space of the crane. Storage space is important in loading and off-shore situations wherein available space is often limited. By enlarging the operational reach of the crane according to the present invention a broader range of operational situations can be dealt with. This is especially relevant in case of marine and off-shore applications wherein a ship is provided with a crane that is confronted with certain conditions while goods have to be loaded and/or unloaded.

In a further preferred embodiment the telescopic bridge comprises a motion compensation system.

The motion compensation system for the bridge provides the same effects and advantages as the motion compensation system for the crane, preferably involving similar components.

Preferably, the motion compensation system(s) are integrated into an overall compensation system.

The invention further relates to a ship or marine platform comprising an aforementioned height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge in one of the embodiments thereof.

The ship or marine platform provides the same effects and advantages as described for the height adjustable marine access bridge.

The invention further also relates to a method for height adjustment of a marine telescopic access bridge, comprising the steps of:

providing an aforementioned height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge in one of the embodiments thereof; and

adjusting the height of the telescopic access bridge.

The method provides the same effects and advantages as described for the bridge, ship or marine platform.

Preferably, the method enables a combination of operations with the telescopic bridge and the crane with a bridge-crane system. This significantly reduces the amount of space that is required for those systems rendering a cost effective combined system.

Further advantages, features and details are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: figures 1 -3 shows a height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to the invention;

figure 4 shows a bridge-crane system that is applied on a ship according to the invention; and

- figure 5 shows a bridge-crane system with a telescopic bridge.

Telescopic access bridge 2 (figures 1 -3) comprises pedestal 4 with slewing system 6 on stationary part 8 of pedestal 4 enabling rotation in direction A around a substantially vertical axis. Besides stationary part 8. pedestal 4 further comprises telescopic part 10 with lift 12. At the other end telescopic part 10 is provided with platform 14, optionally housing an operator's cabin. Lift 12 enables transfer of people or goods including pallets between the deck of a ship to platform 14 with lift door 15. Telescopic part 10 comprises edge 16 that in a retracted state rests on flange 17.

In the illustrated embodiment, bridge 18 comprises main bridge part 20 and telescopic bridge part 22. First end 24 of bridge 18 is connected to or close to the outer end of telescopic part 10 with connections 25. At second end 26, telescopic bridge part 22 comprises bridge tip 28. In the illustrated embodiment tip 28 is embodied as a tube tip or disk tip.

Telescopic drive 30 enables movement of telescopic part 10 in a substantial vertical direction B. Luffing cylinders 32 enable movement of bridge 18 around a substantially horizontal axis at or close to the upper end of telescopic part 10 in direction C. To enable this rotational movement in the illustrated embodiment, telescopic part 10 is provided with a chamfered part 34. In the most downward position bridge 18 rests on chamfered part 34. Telescopic bridge drive 36 enables extension of the direction of telescopic bridge part 22 in direction D.

Combined bridge -crane system 102 (figure 4) comprises bridge 104 having similar components as described for telescopic access bridge 2 that is shown in figures 1 -3. In addition, crane 106 is mounted at the outer end of telescopic part 10. hi the illustrated embodiment crane 106 comprises separate slewing mechanism 108 enabling rotation in a direction E around a substantially vertical axis. Crane 104 further comprises two luffing cylinders 110 enabling rotation around a substantially horizontal axis F. Hoist system(s) 112 is only schematically illustrated. It will be understood that separate hoist systems can be provided. Also, it will be understood that other configurations of crane 106 can be envisaged according to the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment ship 1 14 (figure 4) comprises combined bridge-crane system

102 enabling transfer of people and/or goods between ship 114 and an accessed unit 116 with landing zone 118.

System 102 comprises motion compensation system 120 enabling active and/or passive compensation for the dynamic conditions acting on bridge 2 and/or bridge -crane system 102. In the illustrated embodiment motion compensation system 120 comprises controller 122 acting on luffing cylinders 32, 1 10 and/or slewing mechanisms 6, 108 of the bridge and crane parts.

Optionally, alternative compensators can be provided as an alternative or in addition thereto.

It will be understood that bridge 2 can also be provided at a ship. Optionally, bridge 2 can also be provided with motion compensation system 120. Also other features that are illustrated for one of the embodiments can be applied to other embodiments.

When people and/or goods need to be transferred between ship 1 14 and accessed unit 116, ship 114 is manoeuvred in the desired position or close thereto. Bridge 2 and/or bridge-crane system 102 is manoeuvred into its position of use relative to accessed unit 1 16. Preferably, motion compensation mechanism 120 is activated to increase the operational window of bridge 2 and/or bridge-crane system 102. When people and/or goods are transferred over bridge 18 between ship 1 14 and access unit 116 preferably use is made of lift 12. When bridge-crane system 102 is provided use can also be made of crane 104 for loading/unloading or moving goods.

Motion compensation system 120 is activated to improve the operational window of bridge 2 and/or bridge-crane system 102.

When transfer of people and/or goods has ended telescopic bridge part 22 is retracted and bridge 18 is brought into its storage position. Motion compensation system 120 is de-activated and ship 1 14 is ready for other operations.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention combined bridge-crane system 202 (figure 5) is installed on ship 114 that is at sea 204. Ship 114 may deliver goods to construction 206, platform or landing zone 208. Bridge-crane system 202 comprises bridge 104 having similar components as described for telescopic access bridge 2 that is shown in figures 1 -3. In addition, crane 212 is mounted at the outer end of telescopic part 10. Crane 212 comprises slewing mechanism 108 and other components that are illustrated in relation to crane 106 that is shown in figure 4, including luffing cylinders 218. Crane 212 comprises main boom 214. Main boom 214 is connected at joint 216 to part 10. Luffing cylinder 218 is connected at joint 220 to part 10 and at joint 222 to main boom 214. Telescopic knuckle boom 224 is connected at connector 226 to main boom 214. Knuckle boom cylinder 228 is at one end connected at joint 230 to main boom 214 and at the opposite end at joint 232 to knuckle boom 224. Knuckle boom 224 comprises main knuckle boom part 234 that houses first telescopic part 236, second telescopic part 238, and telescopic drive 244.

In the illustrated embodiment crane 212 further comprises hoist system 240 capable of transferring load 242 between platform 208 of construction 206 and ship 114.

Crane 212 can be folded when not in use. This involves retracting knuckle boom cylinder 228 and retracting telescopic parts 236, 238 with telescopic drive 246. Optionally, it is also possible to retract luffing cylinder 218. Slew bearing 108 (figure 3) enables rotation of crane 212 around a substantial vertical axis. In the illustrated embodiment crane 212 is provided with two luffing cylinders 218 and two knuckle boom cylinders 228.

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.

Claims

1. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge, comprising:

- a telescopic bridge having a first bridge part with a first bridge end, and at least one telescopic bridge part with a second bridge end;

- a telescopic pedestal comprising a telescopic part configured for adjusting the height of the first end of the telescopic bridge;

- a pedestal drive for driving the telescopic part of the telescopic pedestal; and

- a luffing cylinder arranged between the pedestal and the telescopic bridge and configured to rotate the telescopic bridge around a substantially horizontal rotation axis.

2. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to claiml , wherein the telescopic pedestal comprises a slewing mechanism and a slewing drive configured for rotating at least a part of the pedestal around a substantially vertical rotation axis.

3. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the telescopic pedestal comprises a lift.

4. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to claim 3, wherein the lift is arranged inside the telescopic pedestal.

5. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising a crane.

6. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to claim 5, wherein the crane comprising a crane slewing mechanism and a crane slewing drive configured for rotating the crane around a substantially vertical rotational axis relative to the telescopic access bridge.

7. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to claim 6, wherein the crane further comprises a motion compensation system.

8. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to claim 5. 6 or 7, wherein the crane is a telescopic crane.

9. Height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the telescopic bridge comprises a motion compensation system.

10. Ship or marine platform comprising a height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to one or more of the foregoing claims.

1 1. Method for height adjustment of a marine telescopic access bridge, comprising the steps of:

providing a height adjustable marine telescopic access bridge according to one or more of the foregoing claims 1 -9; and

adjusting the height of the telescopic access bridge.