The OPTS is a 3D-compensated passenger and cargo transfer system. Designed specifically for marine applications, it compensates on all axes to absorb waves and other motions. It thereby facilitates the safe and efficient transfer of people and cargo between a vessel and an offshore structure such as a wind turbine or drilling platform.
The state-of-the-art system is an excellent tool to service fixed or semi-floating offshore installations or perform de-commissioning work offshore. When mounted on small, costefficient 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 offshore wind industry or decommissioning activities in the oil and gas sector”, says Gunther Fleck, Vice President Sales & Service Region Marine at PALFINGER.
Fixed or flexible equipment
The OPTS comes in two variations – either as a fixed or mobile unit. The mobile version is the same size as a 40-foot container, which makes it easy to transport. It can be mobilized and mounted on different 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 a vessel, meaning the base frame is not required and the hydraulic power unit can be placed below deck.
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 offshore industry. The technology constitutes a new standard in terms of accuracy, multifunctionality, and – most importantly – safety for the operators.”
PALFINGER at Nor-Shipping
With the OPTS, PALFINGER MARINE introduces a new approach to transport both personnel and cargo of up to 1,000 kg in a very cost-effective manner. To take on the
booming market of offshore 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 this year’s Nor-Shipping, participants visiting PALFINGER MARINE received had an exclusive first glimpse of the new OPTS. The prototype is scheduled to be finished within the first quarter of 2024.
