Walking work system and method thereof

Abstract

A pedestrian work system for allowing personnel and / or equipment to move between a vessel and an offshore wind turbine, comprising: an elevator system positioned radially offset from a gangway system. The elevator system comprises: an elongated height-adjustable elevator having a first elevator end mountable on a deck of the vessel, the height-adjustable elevator comprising: a stationary elevator component and a displaceable elevator component adjustably coupled to the stationary elevator component; a drive system configured to displace the displaceable elevator component relative to the stationary elevator component along the height of the elevator; an elevator car movably connected to the height-adjustable elevator, wherein the elevator car is configured to be raised to the same height as the gangway to allow access between the elevator system and the gangway system; and a lifting device configured to move the elevator car of the height-adjustable elevator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking working system for a water structure such as a ship, in particular a walking working system for accessing offshore infrastructure such as a bottom-fixed offshore wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] Walk-behind work systems are used onboard vessels to transport cargo / equipment and personnel between the vessel and offshore wind turbines, such as bottom-fixed wind turbines.

[0003] Conventional walk-to-work systems use a combination of a motion-compensated marine gangway and an elevator shaft, where the elevator shaft has a fixed height and forms an integrated part of the gangway. Alternatively, the gangway may be mounted on a separate pedestal, into which a separate elevator shaft of fixed height is accessible. The elevator is used to move people and cargo from the various decks on the vessel to the relevant height of the gangway. The gangway is used to support cargo and personnel as they are moved between the relevant heights of the vessel and the wind turbine.

[0004] Since many offshore bottom-fixed wind turbines are located in areas with large variations between low and high tides, gangways (especially elevators with fixed height) must be designed for the lowest astronomical tides. This is to ensure that both gangways and elevators allow access to the service platform of the wind turbine when the height difference between the sea level and the service platform of the wind turbine is at its highest value. Traditionally, this has been solved by simply ensuring that the fixed elevator shaft is high enough.

[0005] Examples of prior art solutions disclosing the use of walk-behind working systems allowing transfer of personnel and cargo between a vessel and an offshore wind turbine can be found in the following patent publications:

[0006] US4473916(A) discloses a transfer device provided with a lift to enable access between a water vessel and a wind turbine tower. The lift is mountable to the vessel and comprises a platform and a well assembly. The platform is drivable along the lift well assembly and the lift comprises a motion compensation device arranged to compensate for movement of the vessel relative to the structure. The lift of US4473916(A) has a fixed height and is integrated to the platform and the motion compensation device.

[0007] CN208683061(U) discloses a tower ladder system for a marine service vessel. The tower ladder system includes a main frame, a wave compensation boarding device, a wave compensation crane device and an elevator device. The wave compensation boarding ladder device and the wave compensation crane device are installed outside the main frame and connected to the main frame. The elevator device has a fixed height and is integrated into the main frame.

[0008] WO2012069835(A1) discloses a lift enabling access between a watercraft and a structure. The lift is mountable to a vessel and comprises a platform and a lift shaft assembly, wherein the platform is drivable along the lift shaft assembly. The lift also comprises a motion compensation device arranged to compensate for movement of the vessel relative to the structure. The lift / lift shaft of WO2012069835(A1) has a fixed height and is integrated to the platform.

[0009] When a vessel is operating alongside a wind turbine during high tide, using such a conventionally designed walking working system (i.e. using an elevator shaft with a fixed height) can lead to an undesired downtime of the wind turbine, as there is a risk of collision between the wind turbine blades and the highest point of the vessel, which in most cases is the highest point of the elevator with a fixed height.

[0010] Therefore, all the above-mentioned prior art solutions have in common the need for a pedestrian working system that allows safe and cost-effective operation of different types of wind turbines during all types of foreseeable tidal conditions, while keeping the frequency of undesired wind turbine downtime low. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pedestrian working system that allows the transfer of personnel and / or cargo at any type of foreseeable tide and / or with low or no risk of collision with the blades of the turbine. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claim, while the dependent claims describe further characteristics of the invention.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a walking work system suitable for allowing personnel and / or equipment to move between a first floating marine structure (e.g. a ship or other type of marine structure) and a second marine structure (e.g. a bottom-fixed offshore wind turbine, in particular a bottom-fixed wind turbine having different heights between the lowest point of the wind turbine blade sweep area and the sea surface with different tides) or other types of marine structures.

[0013] The walk-to-work system includes a gangway system including a height-adjustable elongated base and a gangway. The height-adjustable elongated base has a first end that can be mounted on a deck of a vessel. For example, the base can be mounted on an open deck and / or a closed deck. In addition, the base can also be integrated into a superstructure of a vessel / marine structure. The height-adjustable elongated base includes a first base member and a second base member that is height-adjustably coupled to the first base member, i.e., the base can be adjusted to various heights.

[0014] The gangway is at a height H from the end of the first elongated base. gThe ladder is rotatably coupled to the height-adjustable elongated base so that the ladder is spaced a length L from the central axis of the height-adjustable elongated base. g As used herein, "radially extending" means extending in a direction perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the height-adjustable elongated base. Thus, the gangway is rotatably mounted on the upper end (second end) of the base so that when the height of the base is adjusted, the height of the gangway is also adjusted accordingly.

[0015] The pedestrian working system also includes an elevator system positioned radially offset to be adjacent to the gangway system but at a certain distance from the gangway system, that is, the elevator system is structurally separated from the gangway and arranged near the gangway so that when the elevator car of the elevator system is raised to the height of the gangway, the gangway can be entered from the elevator car.

[0016] The elevator system includes a height-adjustable slender elevator, a drive system, an elevator car, and a lifting device.

[0017] A height-adjustable elongated elevator has a first elevator end mountable on a deck of a vessel.The height-adjustable elevator shaft includes a stationary elevator component and a displaceable elevator component height-adjustably coupled to the stationary elevator component to enable the elevator to be adjusted to various heights.

[0018] The drive system is configured to displace the displaceable elevator component relative to the stationary elevator component along the longitudinal center axis of the height-adjustable elongated elevator. The drive system may be of any type capable of achieving relative movement between the stationary elevator component and the displaceable elevator component. For example, the drive system may be a rack and pinion drive, or may include a motorized winch and a corresponding set of cables and pulleys, or a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric actuator.

[0019] The elevator car is movably connected to the height adjustable elevator, wherein the elevator car is configured to be raised to the same height as the gangway to allow access between the elevator system and the gangway system.

[0020] The lifting device is configured to move the elevator car of the height-adjustable elevator. For example, the lifting device can be a motorized winch with a corresponding cable, another alternative can include a rack and pinion lifting device.

[0021] In a preferred example embodiment of the walk-working system, the stationary elevator part and the displaceable elevator part are shafts telescopically connectable to each other.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the first base member and the second base member are telescopically connected to each other.

[0023] In another preferred example embodiment, the gangway is rotatably coupled to the second base member and preferably also completely surrounds the second base member having an average diameter D g The second base is preferably circular. For example, the gangway may be rotationally coupled to the second base member by a motorized slewing / quick turn mechanism mounted between the gangway and the second base member. The slewing mechanism may be remotely controlled and / or controlled by a control system located on the gangway.

[0024] In another preferred example embodiment, the gangway system further comprises a bridge connected to an outer radial position of the gangway (eg, an outermost radial position of the gangway).

[0025] In a further preferred example embodiment, the bridge is pivotally connected to the gangway with an axis of rotation oriented perpendicularly to the height direction of the base.

[0026] In another preferred example embodiment, the bridge is configured such that it is adjustable in length.

[0027] In another preferred example embodiment, the length-adjustable bridge comprises two bridge parts which are telescopically connected to each other so that a desired length adjustment is achieved by relative displacement.

[0028] In another preferred example embodiment, the walk-to-work system further comprises a motion compensation control system allowing compensation of the movement of the bridge relative to the gangway. It should be noted that the motion compensation control system can also be configured to perform motion compensation control for height adjustment of the elongated base and / or the elongated elevator and the swivel mechanism / slewing / quick turn mechanism allowing swivel movement of the gangway.

[0029] In another preferred example embodiment, the gangway system further comprises an access platform. Preferably, the access platform is arranged adjacent to an outer radial position of the gangway. The term "adjacent" is defined as a position that allows safe movement of personnel / equipment between the access platform and the gangway.

[0030] In another preferred example embodiment, the access platform is supported on an elongated base via a support structure, wherein the access platform is arranged at the same height H of the gangway. g The support structure preferably comprises a collar at least partially surrounding the second base below the gangway and a radially extending frame extending from the collar to the underside of the base of the access platform. The collar may be rotatably mounted on the second base or may be fixed.

[0031] In another preferred example embodiment, the gangway system is configured so as to allow the gangway to rotate independently of the access platform, see for example the configuration with a motorized slewing / quick turn mechanism described above.

[0032] In another preferred example embodiment, a safety fence is arranged on the access platform, which is movably connected to the safety barrier of the gangway via a set of tracks (e.g., railings), thereby allowing safe movement of personnel and / or equipment between the access platform and the gangway, regardless of the rotation angle of the gangway. Both the safety barrier and the safety fence are preferably of a height that prevents personnel / cargo / equipment retracted onto the gangway from falling out under permitted weather conditions.

[0033] In another preferred example embodiment, the gangway system further comprises an access platform, and wherein a landing door is vertically mounted to the access platform (preferably at a side of the access platform located distally of the gangway). When the elevator car is raised to the height of the access platform, the landing door is preferably parallel and aligned with the elevator car door.

[0034] In another preferred example embodiment, the landing door is configured to interlock against the elevator car. It should be noted that the relative deflection between the elevator car and the gangway is predetermined so that it is safe to move between the elevator car and the gangway. Therefore, when raised to the height of the gangway, the gangway and the elevator car are separated by a certain offset, thereby allowing people and equipment to move safely therebetween.

[0035] In another preferred example embodiment, the displaceable elevator part is movably connected to the stationary elevator part via guide rails. Preferably, one set of guide rails is mounted on the stationary elevator part and another set of guide rails is mounted on the displaceable elevator part, wherein the elevator car is movably connected to the guide rails via wheels rotatably mounted on the elevator car, so that the elevator is always in contact with at least one set of guide rails.

[0036] In another preferred example embodiment, a vessel includes a hull, a deck, a superstructure disposed on the deck, and a pedestrian working system, wherein the pedestrian working system is coupled to the deck, such as an open deck and / or a closed deck of the vessel.

[0037] In another preferred example embodiment, the height-adjustable elongated elevator is configured such that its minimum height is below the highest point of the superstructure of the vessel.

[0038] In another preferred example embodiment, the height-adjustable elongated base is at least partially integrated into the superstructure of the vessel.

[0039] In another preferred example embodiment, the vessel comprises a plurality of decks, and wherein the stationary elevator component is secured to one or more of the plurality of decks of the vessel.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for transferring personnel and / or equipment between a first floating marine structure comprising a pedestrian working system according to the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims and a second marine structure comprising a service platform, the method comprising the following steps:

[0041] A. stabilizing the first floating marine structure relative to the second marine structure,

[0042] B. placing the gangway system in contact or near contact with the service platform, such as adjacent to the service platform, by adjusting the height-adjustable elongated base to a height that allows personnel and / or equipment to enter between the gangway of the height-adjustable elongated base and the service platform of the second marine structure,

[0043] C. maintaining the contact or near contact by using a motion compensation control system that compensates for relative motion between the first marine structure and the second marine structure,

[0044] wherein the motion compensation control system is operatively coupled to at least:

[0045] - a pivot point between the gangway and the bridge to ensure compensation of movements in a direction about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the height direction,

[0046] - a mechanism / device to control the height of the base,

[0047] - a mechanism / device to control the height of the elevator, and

[0048] - a mechanism / device to control the rotation of the gangway around the base, such as a slewing / quick turn mechanism,

[0049] D. Adjust the height-adjustable slender elevator to a height that allows the elevator car to be raised to the same height as the gangway,

[0050] E. Raising the elevator car with people and / or equipment from its initial position on the elongated elevator to the same height as the gangway, and

[0051] F. Transferring personnel and / or equipment of the first floating marine structure to the service platform of the second marine structure via the elevator system and the gangway system.

[0052] In a preferred example embodiment, the first marine structure is a vessel, preferably a vessel as described above.

[0053] In another preferred example embodiment, the second marine structure is an offshore wind turbine, such as a bottom-fixed offshore turbine.

[0054] In another preferred example embodiment, step B further comprises bringing the gangway system into contact or near contact with the service platform by using a length-adjustable bridge, wherein one end of the length-adjustable bridge is pivotally connected to an outer radial position of the gangway. Thus, the contact or near contact is achieved by pivoting the bridge until the other end of the bridge is at a desired height position relative to the service platform.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, step C further comprises:

[0056] Compensating for the relative motion between the first floating marine structure and the second marine structure,

[0057] · enabling the gangway to rotate relative to the height-adjustable elongated base, and / or

[0058] · Adjust the height of the height-adjustable slim base, and / or

[0059] If the gangway system includes an adjustable length bridge, adjust the length of the adjustable length bridge.

[0060] In another preferred example embodiment, the gangway system further comprises an access platform supported on the elongated base such that the access platform is arranged adjacent to an outer radial position of the gangway, and wherein step D further comprises adjusting the height of the height adjustable elevator to allow the elevator car to be raised to the same height H as the gangway adjacent to the access platform. g . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Figure 1 A walking working system according to a first example embodiment of the invention is schematically shown, mounted in a transverse direction of a water vessel and operating against an offshore wind turbine.

[0062] Figure 2 Schematically shows the lower and upper positions Figure 1 A walking work system, where Figure 2 A shows a side view of the walking working system in a lower position (detailed illustration) and an upper position (outline illustration), and Figure 2 B shows a perspective view of the walking working system in a lowered position (detailed illustration) and an upper position (outline illustration).

[0063] Figure 3 A detail of a height adjustable elevator forming part of the walk-to-work system of the present invention is shown in perspective view, wherein Figure 3 A shows the telescopic elevator in the upper position, and Figure 3 B shows the telescopic elevator in the lower position.

[0064] Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 3 A and Figure 3 Detail of the height-adjustable lift of B, where Figure 4 A shows the side of the height-adjustable elevator in the lower position (detailed illustration) and in the upper position (outline illustration), and Figure 4 B and Figure 4C shows the height adjustable elevator in a lower position (detailed illustration) and in an upper position (outline illustration) from the front and from the rear, respectively.

[0065] Figure 5 A perspective view and a top view of a walking working system according to a first example embodiment of the present invention are shown, wherein Figure 5 A shows a walk-to-work system having an access platform with handrails, and Figure 5 B shows a top view of the access platform and the gangway of the gangway system which rotates independently of the access platform.

[0066] Figure 6 A walking working system according to a second example embodiment of the invention is schematically shown, the walking working system being mounted in a transverse direction of a vessel and operating against an offshore wind turbine, wherein Figure 6 A shows the height adjustable lift of the walk-to-work system in a low raised position, and Figure 6 B shows the walk-to-work system in a high, elevated position.

[0067] Figure 7 A walking working system according to a third example embodiment of the invention is schematically shown, the walking working system being mounted in a transverse direction of a vessel and operating against an offshore wind turbine, wherein Figure 7 A shows the height adjustable lift of the walk-to-work system in a low raised position, and Figure 7 B shows the height adjustable elevator in the high raised position.

[0068] Figure 8 A walking working system according to a fourth example embodiment of the invention is schematically shown, the walking working system being mounted in a transverse direction of a vessel and operating against an offshore wind turbine, wherein Figure 8 A shows the height adjustable lift of the walk-to-work system in a high raised position, and Figure 8 B shows the height adjustable elevator in a low raised position.

[0069] Fig. 9 A walking working system according to a fifth example embodiment of the invention is schematically shown, the walking working system being mounted in a transverse direction of a vessel and operating against an offshore wind turbine, wherein Fig. 9 A shows the height adjustable lift of the walk-to-work system in a high raised position, and Fig. 9 B shows the height adjustable elevator in a low raised position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Hereinafter, specific example embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the example embodiments and descriptions contained herein. In particular, the present invention is intended to include modified forms of the embodiments, including combinations of parts of the embodiments and elements of different embodiments. It should be understood that in the development of any actual implementation, such as in any engineering or design project, specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system and / or business-related constraints. In addition, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but are still routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 1 A first example embodiment of a walking working system 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0072] exist Figure 1 In the first example embodiment of the present invention, the walking working system 1 is installed in the transverse direction of the vessel 300 and allows access between the vessel 300 and the relevant position (e.g., the service platform 410) of the offshore structure (e.g., the offshore wind turbine facility 400). Therefore, when the walking working system 1 is installed in the transverse direction of the vessel 300, the direction of the access passage between the vessel 300 and the relevant position of the offshore structure is mainly perpendicular or inclined to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The walking working system 1 can alternatively be installed on the vessel 300 in a different direction, such as in the longitudinal direction of the vessel or other directions.

[0073] The pedestrian working system 1 includes a gangway system 200 and an elevator system 100 that is structurally positioned independently of the gangway system 200 .

[0074] Gangway system 200 is used to support personnel and / or equipment as they move from vessel 300 to a particular height of wind turbine 400 , such as at the height of a service platform 410 mounted to wind turbine tower 420 .

[0075] Elevator system 100 allows personnel and / or equipment to move from one or more decks of vessel 300 (eg, open deck 310 and enclosed deck 320 ) to a desired height of gangway system 200 , such as the height of gangway 210 of gangway system 200 .

[0076] After having entered wind turbine 400 , personnel may perform tasks on wind turbine 400 , such as maintenance, repair, servicing, or other types of tasks.

[0077] The elevator system 100 includes a height-adjustable elevator 110, and an elevator car 130 movably connected to the height-adjustable elevator 100. Figures 1 to 6As shown, the height adjustable elevator 110 can be a telescopic elevator shaft or a Figures 7 to 9 Other types of height adjustable elevators are shown.

[0078] Figure 2 The ambulance working system 1 of the first example embodiment is shown in two different elevated positions, a retracted / low elevated position shown in solid black lines and an extended / high elevated position shown in solid black lines, which only show the main outlines of the ambulance working system 1 .

[0079] The elevator car 130 is configured to be raised to the same height as the gangway 210 to allow access between the telescopic elevator shaft 110 and the gangway system 200. The elevator system 100 also includes a lifting device 150 configured to move the elevator car 130 along the telescopic elevator shaft 110.

[0080] Figure 3 It is shown that when the height adjustable elevator 110 is a telescopic elevator shaft Figure 1 A detailed view of a height adjustable elevator 110 of a first example embodiment is shown.The telescopic elevator shaft 110 forming part of the walk-working system 1 of the present invention may be a conventional personnel and cargo telescopic elevator shaft for marine use.

[0081] The height-adjustable elevator 110 includes: a stationary elevator component 111, which is elongated and installed on a deck of a vessel 300, such as an open deck 310 or a closed deck 320; a displaceable elevator component 112, which is elongated and height-adjustable relative to the stationary elevator component 111; and an elevator car 130. Thus, the elevator 110 can be raised to a height such as Figure 3 A high position or Figure 3 The low position shown in B.

[0082] Figure 4 A further detailed side view of the telescopic elevator shaft 110 of the first example embodiment is provided when the elevator is installed on the decks 310, 320 of the vessel 300 ( Figure 4 A) and front view ( Figure 4 B and Figure 4 C), wherein the retracted / lower raised position is shown in black solid lines, and the extended position is shown in black dashed lines. It should be noted that the illustration of the extended / high position only shows the main outline of the telescopic elevator shaft 110.

[0083] The stationary elevator component 111 is a vertical structure with a predetermined height. It should be noted that the term "vertical" should not be interpreted in a strict mathematical sense, but should be interpreted as essentially vertical, i.e., wherein deviations from the vertical axis are possible, for example deviations between + / - 5 degrees. Figure 3 A and Figure 3B, the stationary elevator component 111 may have a rectangular shape. A first elevator end 113 of the height adjustable elevator 110 is securely mounted to the vessel 300, while a second elevator end 114 is located vertically above the first elevator end 113. In principle, the stationary elevator component 111 may take any form.

[0084] The stationary elevator component 111 is mounted on the vessel 300, for example, Figure 1 The open deck 310 shown. The static elevator component 111 can be independently located on the open deck 310 of the vessel 300, such as Figure 1 Alternatively or additionally, the stationary elevator component 111 may be fully or partially integrated into a superstructure (not shown) of an open deck 310 of the vessel 300. Alternatively or additionally, the stationary elevator component 111 may also be integrated into one or more closed decks 320 of the vessel 300, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0085] An advantageous effect of the first example embodiment of integrating the stationary elevator component 111 into one or more enclosed decks 320 and / or into the vessel superstructure is that it reduces or eliminates the footprint of the elevator 100 on the open deck 310, thereby leaving more usable deck space for the superstructure of the vessel 300.

[0086] The stationary elevator component 111 has a predetermined fixed height Hsp, typically Hsp is about 10 to 25 meters. Typically, it should not have a height exceeding the highest point of the vessel's superstructure to minimize the possibility of it being the cause of any turbine downtime. The width Wsp of the stationary elevator component 111 is predetermined based on the space required by the height adjustable elevator 110 due to the size of the elevator car 130 and the cross-section required to carry the structural loads. Typically, the footprint of the height adjustable elevator 110 is minimized to ensure that the available free deck space on the vessel is maximized.

[0087] The stationary elevator component 111 is preferably made of a material that allows lifting heavy loads in the relevant offshore wind turbine operation. For example, the stationary component 110 can be made of any type of high-strength structural metal material, preferably weldable structural steel, usually high-strength or ultra-high-strength steel, and cast and forged components can also be used where appropriate.

[0088] In such Figure 3In the specific construction of the first example embodiment best shown in FIG. 1 , the displaceable elevator component 112 is a substantially vertical frame or column that is movably connected to the stationary elevator component 111 via dual guide rail sets 140a, 140b, wherein one of the dual guide rail sets 140a is mounted along the stationary elevator component 111 and the other of the dual guide rail sets 140b is vertically mounted on the displaceable elevator component 112. Other means may also be used to movably connect the displaceable elevator component 112 to the stationary elevator component 111.

[0089] It should be noted that vertical is hereinafter referred to as a direction perpendicular to the sea surface at rest.

[0090] In addition, the drive system 160 Figure 3 and Figure 4 1 is shown connected to the displaceable elevator component 112. The drive system 160 is used to adjust the height of the displaceable component 112 relative to the stationary elevator component 111. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment, the drive system 160 is a rack and pinion drive system. However, it can be of any type capable of achieving relative movement between the stationary elevator component 111 and the displaceable elevator component 120. Other examples may include a motorized winch and a corresponding set of cables and pulleys, or a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric actuator.

[0091] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the elevator car 130 is movably connected to a dual guide rail set 140a, 140b via, for example, a dual wheel set 170a, 170b mounted to the elevator. The elevator car 130 is configured so that when the displaceable elevator component 112 is extended relative to the stationary elevator component 111, the elevator car 130 is always in contact with at least one set of guide rails 140a, 140b.

[0092] In order to allow vertical movement of the elevator car 130 along the set of dual guide rails 140a, 140b, the elevator car 130 is operably connected to a lifting device 150 in a first example embodiment. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the lifting device is shown as a motorized winch with corresponding cables 151 and pulleys 152. Another alternative may involve a rack and pinion lifting device.

[0093] The displaceable elevator component 112 has a predetermined height Htp and width Wtp. The height Htp is defined by the height Hsp and the maximum required access height of the particular vessel in question, typically Htp is about 4m to 20m. However, this will vary between vessels based on the actual design parameters of the actual wind turbine site where it is intended to operate. When the gangway system 200 is in the upper position, Htp is SP and HTP The sum of Wtp should provide sufficient height to operate the elevator system 100. The width Wtp of the displaceable elevator component 112 is predetermined based on the size of the elevator car 130 and the cross section required to carry the structural load. Generally, Wtp is minimized to avoid oversizing the width Wsp of the stationary elevator component 111.

[0094] The displaceable elevator component 112 can preferably be made of a material that can resist the heavy load of lifting and lowering and is suitable for offshore use. For example, the displaceable elevator component 112 can be made of any type of high-strength structural metal material, preferably weldable structural steel, typically high-strength or ultra-high-strength steel. Cast and forged components can also be used where appropriate.

[0095] An advantageous aspect of the pedestrian working system 1 is that the lift system 100 is height adjustable. When operating the pedestrian working system 1 against the wind turbine 400 during high tide conditions, it is advantageous to reduce the height of the lift system 100, while it is advantageous to increase the height of the lift system 100 during low tide conditions.

[0096] In particular, the highest point of the height-adjustable elevator 110 (and thus the highest point of the elevator system 100) can advantageously be height-adjusted to a minimum height H Emin , where H Emin represents the vertical height between the sea surface and the highest point of the height adjustable elevator 110, for example, under the highest astronomical tide conditions. Under similar highest tide conditions, the H achieved by the present invention Emin Advantageously, it is smaller than H achieved by conventional designs in the prior art. Emin , this is due to the fact that the elevator 110 is height-adjustable, whereas in the prior art, the elevator has a fixed height.

[0097] Since in most cases the highest point of the height adjustable elevator 110 is also the highest point of the vessel 300, a minimum height H that allows the height adjustable elevator to be retracted to a height that is less than that achieved in prior art solutions. Emin is advantageous because it reduces the BSA The elevator system 100 reduces the risk of collision with wind turbine blades, especially in highest tidal conditions. Thus, this particular elevator system 100 helps to reduce the risk of the wind turbine having to be shut down when the vessel 300 is operating against the wind turbine. Thus, it also avoids costs caused by loss of energy production.

[0098] Another advantage of the elevator system 100 of the present invention is that the elevator car 130 can be raised to any height along the height-adjustable elevator 110. Thus, the elevator car 130 is not limited to being raised to a specific floor at a specific height. Thus, the elevator car 130 can be raised to any height of the gangway 200 to provide access directly to the gangway 210, or if such a platform is used, via the access platform 240, as further described below. This advantageously increases the operational flexibility of the walking work system 1 compared to conventional designs of the prior art.

[0099] In order to allow successful operation of such an elevator system 100, the gangway system 200 is made structurally independent of the elevator system 100. Such independent construction effectively reduces or even eliminates the design constraints of the elevator system 100 relative to the gangway system 200. For example, in a conventional walk-behind work system 1 (where the elevator system is an integral part of the structure of the gangway system 200), a height adjustable elevator (e.g., telescopic elevator 110) is technically challenging or even impossible.

[0100] Figure 5 A detailed perspective view showing a first example embodiment of a gangway system 200 and an elevator system 100 ( Figure 5 A) and top view ( Figure 5 B). Figure 5 The arrows indicated at A illustrate the possible movements of the main elements of the walking working system 1 .

[0101] As described above, the gangway system 200 is installed on the vessel 300 and is structurally independent from the telescopic elevator 100. The gangway system 200 of the first example embodiment may be installed on an open deck 310 as a standalone unit and / or installed to one or more closed decks 320 as an integrated unit.

[0102] The gangway system 200 includes an elongated base 220 with adjustable height and a gangway 210. The gangway system 200 may be a conventional marine gangway system. In the first example embodiment, the gangway system 200 may further include a bridge member 230 with adjustable length (see Figure 5 The arrow on A), e.g. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 9 Telescopic bridge shown.

[0103] The adjustable elongated base 220 of the first example embodiment has Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first base member 220a shown as the outer base member, and the Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5and Figure 6 The second base member 220b is shown as the inner base member. The second base member 220b is generally coupled to the first base member 220a, thereby allowing the second base member 220b to move vertically relative to the first base member 220a (see Figure 5 One end of the base 220 is fixed to the vessel 300, for example, by welding.

[0104] The gangway 210 in the first example embodiment is preferably coupled to the second base member 220b, wherein the coupling is preferably such that the gangway 210 can be moved about a vertical axis (see Figure 5 A) rotates. Figure 5 An advantageous example is shown where the gangway 210 partially surrounds the inner base member 220b.

[0105] If the gangway 210 is rotatable, the bridge 230 of the first example embodiment may be made rotatable when the bridge is connected to the gangway 210. Therefore, the rotation of the gangway 210 will result in a corresponding rotation of the bridge 230.

[0106] Alternatively, the bridge 230 may be rotatably coupled to the second base member 220b such that independent rotation of the gangway 210 and the bridge 230 is achieved.

[0107] In yet another alternative configuration of the first example embodiment, the gangway system 200 may include Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The gangway system 200 is configured such that the access platform 240 is arranged at or near the same vertical height as the gangway 210, but does not rotate with the gangway 210. The access platform 240 and the gangway 210 are at the same vertical height and are attached to the base 220. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 2B , the access platform 240 is disposed adjacent the gangway 210 , thereby allowing personnel and / or equipment to be safely moved between the gangway 210 and the access platform 240 .

[0108] In this example embodiment, to allow the gangway 210 to rotate independently of the access platform 240, the latter may be coupled to the base 220, preferably to the inner base member 220b, using a support structure 250. Figure 5 Such a support structure 250 may include a collar 251 at least partially surrounding the inner base member 220b below the gangway 210, and a radially extending frame extending from the collar 251 to the underside of the base of the access platform 240. The collar 251 may be rotatably mounted on the inner base member 220b or may be fixed.

[0109] The access platform 240 in this example embodiment may have a rectangular shape, such as Figure 5 Best shown in B. However any shape that allows for the transfer of personnel and / or equipment as described above is possible.

[0110] In this example embodiment, a landing door or the like 260 may be vertically mounted to a side of the access platform 240 away from the gangway 210. The elevator door may be installed along a portion or the entire width of the access platform 240.

[0111] To meet intended safety standards, in this example embodiment, the landing door 260 is preferably interlocked against the elevator car door 131 to prevent the door from opening toward the access platform 240 when the landing door 260 and the elevator car door 131 are not vertically aligned according to applicable elevator safety standards. Typically, a misalignment greater than 20 cm will prevent the doors 260, 131 from opening, but this may vary according to applicable standards. Emergency operation of the door is possible in any position by using a special tool, such as a key.

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2B , in this example embodiment, when the elevator car 130 has been raised to the height of the access platform 240, the landing door 260 should be parallel and aligned with the elevator car door 131, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This allows personnel and / or equipment to safely access the gangway 210 via the access platform 240 .

[0113] In this example embodiment, the access platform 240 may also include a safety fence 270 to ensure safe movement of personnel and / or equipment between the elevator car 130 and the gangway 210. Figure 5 As best shown in B, the safety fence 270 can be movably connected to the safety barrier 280 of the gangway 210 via this set of tracks so that regardless of the rotational position of the gangway 210 relative to the access platform 240, the surface area covered by the gangway 210 and the access platform 240 is always securely secured for personnel and / or equipment to move thereon.

[0114] In this example embodiment, the operation of the gangway system 200 and the elevator system 100 may be controlled individually or together by a control system (not shown), for example, which may be controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an industrial computer (IPC) individually or in combination.

[0115] During normal operation, the elevator car 130 of the height adjustable elevator 110 can be interlocked to the gangway 210 via an interlocking device (such as a mechanical interlock), alternatively, the elevator is interlocked to the access platform 240 if such a platform is used. This allows the floor of the elevator car 130 and the floor of the gangway 210 to always be at the same height above the ship's deck 300 when they are interlocked with each other.

[0116] In this example embodiment, height adjustment and alignment of the displaceable elevator component 112 and the elevator car 130 relative to the gangway 210 can be achieved by using position encoders arranged on the gangway 210 (or access platform 240, if used), the displaceable elevator component 112, and / or in an interlock device (e.g., in a PLC or IPC). Optionally, proximity sensors can be used to verify the precise position of the displaceable elevator component 112 and the elevator car 130 relative to the gangway 210 (or, if used, relative to the access platform 240). Alternatively, any sensor (such as a laser, a lidar, a mechanical switch, an optical machine vision) can also be used to ensure alignment between the height adjustment of the displaceable elevator component 112, the height adjustment of the elevator car 130, and the height adjustment of the gangway 210 (and the access platform 240, if used). Alternatively, an operator can override the interlock between the elevator car 130 and the gangway 210 or access platform 240 and adjust the respective heights independently.

[0117] Figure 6 A second example embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is similar to the first embodiment, except for the stationary elevator component 111 and the displaceable elevator component 112. In the second example embodiment, the stationary elevator component 111 comprises two first supporting devices 180 fixedly mounted at a distance from each other on the open deck 310 of the vessel 300 and two hollow elongated first cylinders 181. The first cylinders 181 are vertically mounted on the first supporting devices 180.

[0118] Furthermore, in this second example embodiment, the displaceable elevator component 112 includes two elongated second cylinders 182. Each second cylinder 182 is height-adjustably coupled (i.e., telescopically coupled) to one of the first cylinders 181 at an end distal to the first support device 181. The other end of each second cylinder 182 is connected to a second support device 183 supporting an elongated elevator column 185.

[0119] The elevator car 130 ( Figure 6 180 is integrated into the housing of the elevator shaft 185. The elevator column 185 may include several floors 184 that allow personnel and / or equipment to move between the elevator car 130 and the gangway 210 when the predetermined floor 184 is raised to the height of the gangway 210 and aligned with it.

[0120] The elevator car 130 (not shown) of the second example embodiment is integrated into the housing elevator column 185 of the displaceable elevator component 112. Therefore, the elevator car 130 can be raised within the elevator column 185 by the lifting device 150. Alternatively or additionally, even when the elevator car 130 is stationary relative to the elevator column 185, the elevator car can be raised by raising the displaceable elevator component 112 relative to the stationary elevator component 111. With this arrangement, the elevator car can be raised to the same height as the gangway 210 to allow access between the elevator system 100 and the gangway system 200.

[0121] In a second example embodiment, the displaceable elevator component 112 is height-adjustable relative to the stationary elevator 111 by means of a drive system 160 (not shown), such as a rack and pinion, a lifting winch, a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

[0122] Figure 6 A shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the second example embodiment in a retracted / lower raised position, while Figure 6 B shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the second embodiment in the extended / high raised position. Note that Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B does not show the situation when the floor of the elevator car 130 is aligned with the gangway 210.

[0123] Figure 7 A third example embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is similar to the first embodiment, except for a stationary elevator component 111 and a displaceable elevator component 112. In the third example embodiment, the stationary elevator component 111 is a passageway extending through the plurality of decks 310, 320 of the vessel 300, and the displaceable elevator component 112 is an elongated elevator column 185 height-adjustably coupled to the passageway through the plurality of decks.

[0124] The elevator car 130 (not shown) of the third example embodiment is integrated into the displaceable elevator component 112 (i.e., the elongated elevator column). Therefore, the elevator car 130 can be raised in the displaceable elevator component 112 by means of a lifting device 150 (not shown) or the like. Alternatively or additionally, even if the elevator car 130 is stationary relative to the displaceable elevator component 112, the elevator car can be raised by raising the displaceable elevator component 112 (i.e., the elevator column) relative to the stationary elevator component 111. With this arrangement, the elevator car 130 can be raised to the same height as the gangway 210 to allow access between the elevator system 100 and the gangway system 200.

[0125] The elevator column may include several floors 184 that allow personnel and / or equipment to move between the elevator car 130 and the gangway 210 when the predetermined floors are raised to the height of and aligned with the gangway 210.

[0126] In a second example embodiment, the displaceable elevator component 112 is height-adjustable relative to the stationary elevator 111 by means of a drive system 160 (not shown), such as a rack and pinion, a lifting winch, a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

[0127] Figure 7 A shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the third example embodiment in a retracted / lower raised position, while Figure 7 B shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the third embodiment in the extended / high raised position.

[0128] Figure 8 A fourth example embodiment of the invention is shown which is similar to the first embodiment except for the stationary elevator component 111 and the displaceable elevator component 112 .

[0129] In the fourth example embodiment, the height adjustable elevator 110 is an elongated elevator column. The static elevator component 111 is a bottom component of the elevator column 185 mounted on the deck 310 of the vessel 300. Alternatively or additionally, the static elevator 111 of the fourth example embodiment can be integrated into one or more enclosed decks 320.

[0130] Furthermore, the displaceable elevator component 112 of the fourth example embodiment is a top component of the elevator column 185, wherein the top component is pivotally coupled and thereby height-adjustable relative to a bottom component of the elevator column 185. The top component can be pivoted by means of a pivoting system, i.e., the drive system 160. The pivoting system can displace the displaceable elevator component 112 (top component) relative to the stationary elevator component 111 (bottom component) such that the height of the height-adjustable elevator 110 is reduced or pivot such that the height of the height-adjustable elevator 110 is increased. Figure 8 A shows that the top member can be pivoted from a high position on top of the bottom member (shown in dotted lines) to a low position on the side of the bottom member (shown in solid lines).

[0131] The elevator car 130 (not shown) of the fourth example embodiment is integrated into the elevator shaft, i.e., in the bottom part and the top part of the elongated elevator columns 110, 185. Thus, the elevator car 130 can be raised in the height-adjustable elevator 110 by means of a lifting device 150 (not shown) or the like in combination with a device (not shown) for raising the elevator car between the top part and the bottom part when the top part of the elevator shaft is in a high position.

[0132] The means for raising the elevator car 130 between the bottom member and the top member may include a set of rails (not shown) or the like. One set of rails may be arranged on the bottom member and another set of rails on the top member so that the elevator is always in contact with one set of rails when moving between the bottom member and the top member of the elevator columns 185, 110. With this arrangement, the elevator car can be raised to the same height as the gangway 210 to allow access between the elevator system 100 and the gangway system 200.

[0133] The elevator shaft may include several floors 184, allowing personnel and / or equipment to move between the elevator car 130 and the gangway 210 when a predetermined floor is raised to the height of the gangway 210 and aligned therewith.

[0134] Figure 8 B shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the fourth example embodiment in a retracted / lower raised position, while Figure 8 A shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the fourth embodiment in an extended / high raised position.

[0135] Fig. 9 A fifth example embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is similar to the first embodiment, except for a stationary elevator component 111 and a displaceable elevator component 112. In the fifth example embodiment, the height-adjustable elevator includes a stationary elevator component 111 and a displaceable elevator component 112, wherein the stationary elevator component 111 is an elongated passage mounted on and extending through a plurality of decks 310, 320 of a vessel 300 and further protruding vertically from the deck 310 of the vessel 300. The stationary elevator component 111 also includes a first supporting device 180 arranged on a vertical side of the elongated passage to support the structure of the elongated gangway. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the displaceable elevator component 112 is a frame structure that is height-adjustably coupled to the stationary elevator 111. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the displaceable elevator component 112 is telescopically coupled to the stationary elevator component 111.

[0136] The drive system 160 (not shown) of the fourth example embodiment is configured to displace the displaceable lifting member 111 (i.e., the frame structure) relative to the stationary lifting member 111 (i.e., the elongated channel). In the fourth embodiment, this is achieved by connecting the displaceable elevator member 112 to the second elongated base 220b of the gangway system 200 by a second support device 183 extending from the second base 220b to a position on the displaceable elevator member 111, so that when the height of the second elongated base 220b is adjusted, the displaceable elevator member 112 is also adjusted because it is physically connected to the second base 220b.

[0137] The elevator car 130 is movably connected to the height-adjustable elevator 110 and can be raised along the height-adjustable elevator 110. The elevator car can be movably connected to a set of guide rails (not shown) via, for example, a double wheel set (not shown) rotatably mounted to the elevator. The elevator car 130 can be configured so that when the displaceable elevator component 112 is extended relative to the stationary elevator component 111, the elevator car 130 is always in contact with at least one set of guide rails.

[0138] To allow vertical movement of the elevator car 130 along the height adjustable elevator 110, the elevator car 130 is connected to a lifting device (not shown). The lifting device may be a motorized winch with corresponding cables and pulleys. Another alternative may involve a rack and pinion lifting device.

[0139] With this arrangement, the elevator car can be raised to the same height as the gangway 210, i.e., it can be raised along the elongated channel and frame structure to allow access between the elevator system 100 and the gangway system 200.

[0140] Fig. 9 A shows the fifth example embodiment of the height adjustable elevator 110 in an extended / high raised position, while Fig. 9 B shows the height adjustable elevator 110 of the fourth example embodiment in a retracted / lower raised position.

[0141] As in the first embodiment, the elevator system 100 and the gangway 200 of the pedestrian working system 1 of the second, third, fourth and fifth example embodiments may be partially integrated into a superstructure (not shown) of the vessel 300 .

[0142] In all example embodiments, the walking working system 1 is shown as being arranged in Figure 1 The plurality of vessels 300 are shown in a transverse direction of the vessel 300, or they may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vessel 300 (not shown) or in other ways.

[0143] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, certain features of the present invention described above in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, the various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0144] List of reference numbers / letters

[0145] 1 Walking work system

[0146] 100 Elevator System

[0147] 110 Height Adjustable Lift / Telescopic Lift

[0148] 111 Stationary elevator parts

[0149] 112 Removable elevator parts

[0150] 113 First elevator end

[0151] 114 Second elevator end

[0152] 130 Elevator Car

[0153] 131 Elevator car door / lift car door

[0154] 140a The first set of double rails

[0155] 140b Second set of double rails

[0156] 150 Lifting device

[0157] 151 Lifting device cable

[0158] 152 Lifting device pulley

[0159] 160 Drive system

[0160] 170a The first set of double wheels

[0161] 170b Second set of double wheels

[0162] 180 First support device

[0163] 181 First Cylinder

[0164] 182 Second Cylinder

[0165] 183 Second support device

[0166] 184th Floor

[0167] 185 Elevator Column

[0168] 200 Gangway System

[0169] 210 Gangway

[0170] 220 Height Adjustable Slim Base

[0171] 220a First / outer elongated base member

[0172] 220b Second / inner elongated base member

[0173] 221 first elongated base end

[0174] 222 second elongated base end

[0175] 230 Bridge / Telescopic Bridge

[0176] 231 first bridge component

[0177] 232 second bridge component

[0178] 240 Enter the platform

[0179] 250 Support device / support structure

[0180] 251 Ring

[0181] 260 Floor Door

[0182] 270 Safety Fence

[0183] 280 Safety Barrier

[0184] 300 Ships / Waterborne Structures

[0185] 301 Hull of a ship

[0186] 302 Ship's superstructure

[0187] 310 Open Deck / Deck 5

[0188] 320 Enclosed Deck / Decks 1, 2, 3 and 4

[0189] 400 Offshore wind turbines / offshore structures

[0190] 410 Service platform for wind turbines

[0191] 420 Tower

[0192] A BSA Blade swept area

[0193] Dg Diameter of the gangway

[0194] H g Height between the end of the first elongated base and the gangway

[0195] H sp Height of stationary elevator components

[0196] H tp Height of movable elevator components

[0197] Lg Length of the gangway radius

[0198] Wsp Width of stationary elevator components.

Claims

1. A pedestrian working system (1) for allowing personnel and / or equipment to move between a vessel (300) and a wind turbine (400), wherein: The walking working system (1) comprises: Gangway system (200), comprising: a height-adjustable elongated base (220) having a first elongated base end (221) mountable on a deck (310, 320) of the vessel (300), the height-adjustable elongated base (220) comprising a first base member (220a) and a second base member (220b) height-adjustably coupled to the first base member (220a), and A gangway (210) at a height H from the first elongated base end (221) g The ladder (210) is rotatably coupled to the height-adjustable elongated base (220) so that the ladder (210) is spaced a length L from the central axis of the height-adjustable elongated base (220). g Extending radially, Characterized in that the walking working system (1) further comprises: An elevator system (100) positioned radially offset from the gangway system (200), the elevator system (100) comprising: a height-adjustable elongated elevator (110) having a first elevator end (113) mountable on the deck (310, 320) of the vessel (300), the height-adjustable elevator (110) comprising a stationary elevator component (111) and a displaceable elevator component (112) height-adjustably coupled to the stationary elevator component (111), a drive system (160) configured to displace the displaceable elevator component (112) relative to the stationary elevator component (111) along the height of the elevator (110), an elevator car (130) movably connected to the height-adjustable elevator (110), wherein the elevator car (130) is configured to be raised to the same height as the gangway (210) to allow access between the elevator system (100) and the gangway system (200), and A lifting device (150) configured to move the elevator car (130) of the elevator (110) whose height is adjustable.

2. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The stationary elevator part (111) and the displaceable elevator part (112) are wells telescopically connected to each other.

3. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first base member (220a) and the second base member (220b) are telescopically connected to each other.

4. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gangway (210) is rotationally coupled to the second base member (220b).

5. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gangway system (200) further includes a bridge (230) connected to an outer radial position of the gangway (210).

6. The walking working system (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The bridge (230) is pivotally connected to the gangway (210) with a rotation axis oriented perpendicular to the height direction of the elongated base (220).

7. The walking working system (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The bridge member (230) is configured such that its length is adjustable.

8. The walking working system (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The length-adjustable bridge (230) comprises two bridge parts (231, 232) that are telescopically connected to each other.

9. The walking working system (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The pedestrian working system (1) further comprises a motion compensation control system that allows for compensation of movement of the bridge member (230) relative to the gangway (210).

10. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gangway system (200) also includes an access platform (240).

11. The walking working system (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The access platform (240) is supported on the elongated base (220) via a support structure (250), wherein the access platform (240) is arranged at or near the same height Hg as the gangway (210).

12. The walking working system (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The gangway system (200) is configured to allow the gangway (210) to rotate independently of the access platform (240).

13. The walking working system (1) according to claim 10, wherein: A safety fence (270) is arranged on the access platform (240), and the safety fence (270) is movably connected to the safety barrier (280) of the gangway (210) via a set of rails.

14. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gangway system (200) further includes an access platform (240), and wherein the landing door (260) is vertically mounted to the access platform (240).

15. The walking working system (1) according to claim 14, wherein: The landing door (260) is configured to interlock against the elevator car (130).

16. The walking working system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The displaceable elevator component (112) is movably connected to the stationary elevator component (111) via guide rails (140a, 140b).

17. A vessel (300) comprising a hull (301), an open deck (310), a closed deck (320), a superstructure (302) arranged on the open deck (310) and the closed deck (320), and a walking working system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pedestrian work system (1) is coupled to the open deck (310).

18. The vessel (300) according to claim 17, wherein: The height-adjustable, elongated elevator (110) is configured such that its minimum height is lower than the highest point of the superstructure (302) of the vessel (300).

19. The vessel (300) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The height-adjustable elongated base (220) is at least partially integrated into the superstructure (302) of the vessel (300).

20. The vessel (300) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The stationary elevator component (111) is secured to an open deck (310) and / or one or more closed decks (320) of the vessel (300).

21. A method for transferring personnel and / or equipment between a first floating marine structure comprising a pedestrian working system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a second marine structure (400) comprising a service platform (410), the method comprising the following steps: A. stabilizing the first floating marine structure relative to the second marine structure (400), B. bringing the gangway system (200) into contact or near contact with the service platform (410) by adjusting the height-adjustable elongated base (220) to a height that allows personnel and / or equipment to enter between the gangway (210) of the height-adjustable elongated base (220) and the service platform (410) of the second marine structure (400), C. maintaining said contact or said near contact by using a motion compensation control system that compensates for relative motion between said first floating marine structure and said second marine structure (400), D. adjusting the height-adjustable elongated elevator (110) to a height that allows the elevator car (130) to be raised to the same height as the gangway (210), E. raising the elevator car (130) with people and / or equipment from an initial position at the elongated elevator (110) to the same height as the gangway (210), and F. Transferring personnel and / or equipment of the first floating marine structure to the service platform (410) of the second marine structure (400) via the elevator system (100) and the gangway system (200).

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The first floating marine structure is a vessel (300) according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein The second marine structure (400) is an offshore wind turbine.

24. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein Step B also includes The gangway system (200) is brought into contact or near contact with the service platform (410) by using a length-adjustable bridge (230), wherein one end of the length-adjustable bridge (230) is pivotally connected to an outer radial position of the gangway (210).

25. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein Step C also includes - compensating for relative movement between the first floating marine structure and the second marine structure (400), - rotating the gangway (210) relative to the height-adjustable elongated base (220), and / or - adjusting the height of the height-adjustable elongated base (220), and / or - If the gangway system (200) comprises a length-adjustable bridge (230), adjusting the length of the length-adjustable bridge (230).

26. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein The gangway system (200) further includes an access platform (240) supported on the elongated base (220) such that the access platform (240) is disposed adjacent an outer radial position of the gangway (210), and wherein step D further includes - adjusting the height of the height-adjustable elevator (110) to allow the elevator car (130) to be raised to the same height H as the gangway (210) adjacent to the access platform (240) g .

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