Premium Ship-to-Shore Access Solutions

Gangways come in various materials and designs, such as Aluminum Beam or Fiberglass Beam. They can also be categorized by their weight-bearing capacity, ranging from light to heavy-duty. Here, we’ll break them down based on their core structure and function for easier understanding:

• Fixed Gangways:

These are permanently installed on docks or ships and typically serve in stable environments, like cruise home ports. Fixed gangways are simple and designed for regular passenger use, offering a basic solution for consistent ship-shore access.

• Telescoping Gangways:

These gangways have a telescopic function, powered either hydraulically or electrically, allowing their length to adjust to the changing distance between the ship and the shore. Ideal for ferry terminals with large tidal variations or shifting ship positions, telescoping gangways can also be mounted on wheeled bases for easy relocation around the dock.

• Beam Brow Gangways:

Built on a solid beam structure, these gangways are primarily used to connect ships with docks or shore facilities. They feature a robust support system with transverse beams and bar grating, which not only helps with load-bearing but also prevents water accumulation and provides excellent anti-slip properties.

• Truss Brow Gangways:

Similar to Beam Brow gangways, Truss Brow gangways use a space frame structure made of triangular units to distribute load through axial force (tension and compression). They are perfect for larger spans and offer steeper slopes, making them easier to walk on in certain conditions.

• Tower Gangways:

These multifunctional gangways combine vertical lifts and walkways, designed for access to decks of various heights from a single tower or column. They minimize the working angle, making them ideal for areas with large tidal ranges. However, they tend to be more expensive due to their complex design.

Gangway:

A gangway is a wide, stable walkway, typically made of corrugated sheets or grating, designed with non-slip surfaces to allow safe and smooth passage for people and light cargo. It is primarily used for passenger boarding or for groups of seafarers.

Gangways prioritize width, stability, and slip resistance, meeting stricter ISO/SOLAS safety regulations. They are typically used on ships longer than 30 meters and are installed horizontally or at shallow angles (up to 55° from horizontal).

Ladder:

A ladder is designed for steep, vertical climbing and is typically used as an emergency escape route or for accessing smaller spaces. It supports a small number of people at a time.

Ladders are commonly found on smaller ships or installed inside ships. They are often partially embedded in the ship’s side, deck, or bulkhead to save space. While semi-permanent, ladders offer some adjustability and do not have traditional “rungs.” They are less strictly regulated and require minimal certification.

Ladders are typically installed at angles between 60° and 90°, making them nearly vertical. Their design focuses on space efficiency and step integrity.

• Passenger Embarkation/Disembarkation: Ensures safe boarding and disembarking of crew, passengers, and dock workers.
• Cargo & Equipment Transfer: Provides a safe channel for transporting supplies, tools, and luggage.
• Offshore Transfer: Facilitates safe access to offshore platforms, such as oil rigs and wind farms.
• Cargo Loading/Unloading: Enables efficient transfer of small cargo between ships and docks.
• Emergency Evacuation: Provides critical access for evacuation or first aid, including stretchers and wheelchairs.
• Tender Access: Allows crew or passengers to transfer from large vessels to smaller tender boats for shore transport.
• Maintenance/Inspection Access: Provides safe access for crew or inspectors to perform maintenance or inspections, including direct entry to the cargo hold.

The failure of ship gangways directly threatens human life. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure the gangway remains in optimal working condition and meets safety standards. Here are some key practices to follow:

1.  Regular Cleaning

Clean the gangway regularly to remove dirt, salt, and corrosion. Saltwater can accelerate corrosion, so it’s important to wash it off as soon as possible. Additionally, check the steps for any oil, grease, or ice buildup, which can make them slippery.

2. Lubrication

Lubricate lifelines and moving parts such as hinges, pulleys, and winches to reduce wear and tear. Regular lubrication ensures smooth operation and prolongs the lifespan of these components.

3. Corrosion Prevention

Inspect the anti-corrosion coatings or galvanization on the gangway. Reapply protective coatings as needed to prevent rust and degradation.

4. Structural Integrity Inspection

Examine the gangway stanchions for any cracks or deformities. Check that the handrails are securely attached, and ensure the platform remains stable.

5. Safety Equipment Check

Ensure that rope guardrails (if installed) are tight, and check that safety nets are properly positioned between the gangway and the vessel. Lifebuoys with lights or floatable lifelines should be ready and in good condition.

6. Locking Mechanism Inspection

Regularly inspect the locking mechanisms that secure the gangway to the vessel or dock. Confirm that they engage and disengage properly and that the safety pin is in place.

7. Posting of Warning Signs

A warning sign should be displayed at the gangway, ensuring the duty officer is present during each boarding. Additionally, the names of boarding personnel should be recorded for safety and security purposes.

The ship gangway should undergo a safety inspection before each use, focusing on the condition of handrails, wire ropes, anti-slip surfaces, and safety nets.

In addition, a visual inspection should be performed quarterly to monitor any changes in appearance or structure.

Every six months, a more thorough safety inspection is required, which can be part of the ship’s annual overall safety check, avoiding the need for a separate inspection.

The gangway must also be surveyed and load-tested every five years, with a load typically ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 times the maximum working load.

Our after-sales team can assist with the load testing, as well as with wire rope and gearbox replacements. It is also important to note that our ship gangways are designed to last. With proper maintenance, they can be safely used for more than 20 years.