Ulmatec’s Gangway: Delivering Outstanding Offshore Performance

Since its deployment aboard the Edison Chouest Offshore's (ECO) Jones Act service operation vessel, Ulmatec’s 32-meter motion-compensated gangway has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in offshore wind operations. This advanced system has proven instrumental in optimizing logistics, ensuring safety, and enhancing efficiency in challenging environments.

Performance Highlights

The gangway has facilitated an impressive range of operations. Key metrics from the latest activity report (October 2025) includes:

·       Total Transfers:12,300 successful personnel and cargotransfers. (and counting)

·       Connections: Over 5,600 reliable gangway connections, showcasing high operability across varying sea states.

·       Crane Lifts: More than 1,100 offshore crane lifts, demonstrating the integrated crane’s precision and capability.

·       Elevator Cargo Lifts: 2,587 conducted transfers.

These figures underline the gangway’s reliability, versatility, and safety in ensuring smooth Walk-to-Work (W2W) operations, even under challenging offshore conditions with wind speeds exceeding 20 m/s and significant wave heights over 2.5 meters.

Innovative Design for Enhanced Workability

Ulmatec’s hybrid-drive gangway for energy efficiency - designed for operational flexibility.

Key features include:

·       A 12-meter telescope compensation range and stepless adjustable access height, enabling safe and efficient access to offshore wind turbines.

·       Seamless trolly cargo transfers from warehouse to turbine.

·       Dual crane systems: a 6-T harbor crane and a 3-T,3D-compensated offshore crane.

The gangway’s local manufacturing and energy-efficient design reflect Ulmatec’s commitment to sustainability and long-term operational excellence.

“We are excited with the gangway’s continued performance,” says Lars Atle Vågen, Vice president service at Ulmatec handling. “The latest operational data clearly demonstrates our gangway’s ability to enhance productivity and ensure safety in demanding offshore environments.”

Michael Braid, Vice President, Edison Chouest offshore: “These results further strengthen our position as a trusted provider of vessel-based walk to work operations. We remain dedicated to using technology that drives both efficiency and performance in the offshore energy sector.”

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