Assembly for protecting and accessing structures

Abstract

A resilient fender assembly 102 for mounting to a structure such as a tower 104 is provided, the resilient fender assembly comprising a resilient fender body (106a, 106b.,,); a ladder assembly on the

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly for protecting and accessing structures. The assembly finds particular use on offshore structures, for example the piles of offshore installations, such as wind turbines. Many structures are constructed having members, including vertical members, such as columns or piles, that require protection, for example from impact damage. Such vertical members are common on offshore structures. In this respect, reference to ‘offshore structures’ is to be understood to include any structure that is accessed or contacted by a water borne craft, such as a boat or ship, during normal use. One such offshore structure is a wind turbine. As the demand for renewable energy goes up, there is an increasing number of offshore structures for wind turbines being constructed and installed. Generally, offshore wind turbines comprise a central tower or monopole provided with one or more members or piles extending vertically on the outside of the tower. The vertical members provide support, for example for a platform or provide protection for a turbine access ladder. More particularly, the vertical members provide a means for transferring personnel and equipment between the wind turbine and a vessel. In use, when it is desired to transfer personnel and / or equipment to and from the wind turbine, the vessel is manoeuvred to be in contact with one or more vertically extending members or landing piles. To ensure the vessel remains in contact with the landing piles, the vessel maintains thrust, forcing the vessel into contact with the piles, thereby reducing or overcoming the tendency of the vessel to move relative to the piles under the action of incident waves. As will be appreciated, this practice can lead to the landing piles experiencing significant impact forces from the vessel, in turn leading to damage of the piles. To reduce the damage caused to the landing piles, it is known to provide vessels with buffers or fenders to contact the piles. Such buffers or fenders also provide grip to hold the vessel in contact with the landing piles. However, landing piles are frequently damaged, particularly in heavy seas and require regular maintenance. There is a need to reduce the damage caused to landing piles and other components of wind turbine installations as a result of impacts from vessels. In particular, it would be advantageous if a way can be found to reduce the impact loadings applied by vessels to landing piles and other components of the wind turbine structure, such as the monopile. The reduction in loadings on the wind turbine structure will also have a consequent effect in reducing the impact loadings on the vessels and the parts thereof. The reduction in damage would reduce the specific damage to paint and coatings on the wind turbine structure, such as the monopile, in turn reducing the need for maintenance and reducing the effects of corrosion on the structures. It would also be advantageous if the amount of thrust required from the vessel to maintain contact between the vessel and the wind turbine structure could be reduced, as this would reduce fuel consumption, in turn extending the operating window of the vessel, especially in marginal weather conditions. In addition, it would be advantageous if the level of grip between the vessel and the wind turbine structure for any given amount of thrust applied by the vessel could be increased, providing a safer and more predictable connection during crew transfer operations. It would also be advantageous if these problems could be solved in a way that is simple to install and requires little to no ongoing maintenance. It is well known to provide buffers or fenders on craft, such as boats, ships and yachts, to absorb the energy of contact with a structure. Such buffers or fenders are provided on vessels used to access offshore structures, such as offshore wind turbines. EP 3326899 discloses a method and structure for mooring a seaworthy craft against a boat landing. The structure comprises a fender with a layer of compressible material having an exposed surface, mounted on the craft. Anchor points are secured at laterally spaced locations on the craft, as are two draw mechanisms, one associated with each anchor point. A tie is provided for extending from each anchor point to its associated draw mechanism, and each mechanism is operable to draw its respective tie from an anchor point around a pylon thereby urging the fender against both pylons. In use in the mooring process, the craft is first steered to the boat landing to engage the fender against the pylons of the structure, and the ties are withdrawn from each draw mechanism and taken around one of the pylons. Each tie is attached to an anchor point on the craft, and the mechanisms are activated to draw the ties around the pylons to urge the fender against them. A control system maintains the required tension in the ties to secure the mooring. It has been further proposed to provide protection on offshore structures, such as wind turbine structures. In use, the protection is intended to contact a vessel accessing the offshore structure, preventing direct contact between the vessel and the structure. WO 97 / 19227 discloses a fender protective structure for protecting curved surfaces. The fender comprises a top layer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP), a middle resilient layer of elastomeric material and a base layer. The base layer and resilient layer are provided with notches therein to facilitate bending the fender system in accordance with the shape of the curved surface. CN 105970953 discloses an anti-corrosion protective sleeve for protecting marine steel pipe piles. The anti-corrosion protection sleeve comprises an inner layer of polyester felt, an inner polyurethane protection layer, a polyamide reinforcement net and an outer polyurethane protection layer which are arranged in sequence from innermost to outermost. The two sides of the outer surface of the outer polyurethane protection layer are each provided with a flange strip. A plurality of bolt holes are formed in each flange strip. An anti-corrosion sealing layer is arranged on the surface of the inner layer of polyester felt. The anti-corrosion sealing layer is arranged on the surface of the inner layer of polyester felt. In addition, by means of the design of the four-layer structure of the anticorrosion protection sleeve, the resistance to impact forces is effectively improved. An assembly for protecting structures is disclosed in GB 2570486. The assembly may be used to protect landing piles of offshore wind turbines. The assembly comprises a first, preferably flexible and resilient inner member, which may be a sheet, with a first surface extending over the surface of the structure to be protected and a second surface. The assembly further comprises a second member, which may be a flexible and resilient outer sheet, extending over the second surface of the first member and that is spaced apart from the second surface of the first member. A support structure, which may be a flexible and resilient support sheet with ribs, extends between the first member and the second member. GB 2485556 discloses a toothed fender for off shore transfers between a vessel and a structure, for example transfers to / from an offshore wind turbine. The fender comprises rubber blocks in a toothed configuration connected to a structure in the sea, for example a wind turbine, against which a vessel can engage to reduce motion while, for example personnel are transferring to or from the structure. The fender may comprise alternating thin and thick rubber blocks held in place by bolts. A pair of toothed fenders may be provided on respective sides of an access ladder. The rubber blocks allow the bow of a vessel to engage at a constant position while the vessel uses its engine to thrust against the support structures to prevent the bow from dropping or rising as personnel access and egress the offshore wind turbine. Despite the development of systems and assemblies to protect both water-borne vessels and structures, there is a continuing need for an improved assembly that addresses the problems discussed above. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a resilient fender assembly for mounting to a structure, the resilient fender assembly comprising: a resilient fender body; a ladder assembly on the fender body, the ladder assembly comprising one or more rungs; and a mounting assembly for mounting the fender body on the structure. The resilient fender assembly of the present invention provides a significant advantage of protecting the structure to which it is mounted and a water-borne vessel coming into contact with the structure, in particular by allowing the vessel to contact one or both resilient fenders of the fender assembly. However, in addition, the fender assembly itself provides means for accessing and egressing the structure, in particular a ladder. By forming part of the fender assembly, the components of the ladder may be protected from impact and damage by the vessel. Still further, the assembly of the present invention offers significant advantages in relation to installation and maintenance. In particular, a single fender assembly may be installed on the structure that provides both means for protecting the structure from impact by a vessel and provides a ladder assembly for personnel accessing and leaving the structure. As will be described in more detail below, the fender assembly may be readily configured to be suitable for a wide range of different structures, for example may be provided as a plurality of modules. The fender assembly of the present invention finds use in a range of different applications. For example, the fender assembly may be employed on offshore structures, such as wind turbines. The offshore structures may be fixed, for example a monopole or jacket-type foundation as employed for wind turbine installations. Alternatively, the offshore structure may be floating, for example a floating wind turbine assembly. The fender assembly may also be employed on water-borne vessels and craft, for example vessels having boatlandings, such as maintenance and installation vessels. The fender assembly may also be employed on structures adjacent a body of water, such as docks, pontoons and quays. The term ‘offshore’ as used herein is to be understood as including all the aforementioned structures and vessels, including but not limited to those on, in or adjacent to a body of water. The resilient fender assembly of the present invention comprises a resilient fender body. The fender body may have any suitable shape and configuration to function as a fender against which a water-borne vessel may contact, as well as providing a ladder assembly. As described in more detail below, the ladder assembly may be formed integrally with the fender body or one or more components of the ladder assembly may be separate from and mounted to the fender body. In one embodiment, the fender body comprises a first side portion and a second side portion. In a preferred embodiment, the fender body has a back portion, a front portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. The back portion and the front portion are preferably disposed between the first and second side portions. Generally, in normal use, the back portion of the fender body is that portion that is innermost, that is towards and facing the structure on which the fender assembly is mounted. In one embodiment, the back portion of the fender body is in contact with the surface of the structure. Generally, in normal use, the front portion of the fender body is that portion that is outermost and facing outwards or away from the structure. Generally, in normal use, the first and second side portions are those portions on either side of the fender body, when the fender body is mounted to a structure and in use in its normal position and orientation. The fender body preferably comprises at least one resilient fender portion, that is a portion that may be contacted by a water-borne vessel in use, for example during the procedure to transfer equipment and / or personnel between the vessel and the structure as described above. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one resilient fender portion is disposed on the fender body in a location that is outward of the ladder assembly, preferably outermost from the structure, thereby allowing the vessel to contact the resilient fender portion before it would normally contact the ladder assembly. In this way, the likelihood of a vessel contacting and damaging the ladder assembly is reduced or eliminated. This embodiment is preferably employed on the structure at or close to the surface of the water, that is a region of the structure that may be contacted or impacted by a vessel. The resilient fender portion may be disposed at any suitable position on the fender body, for example a position that it likely to be contacted by a vessel approaching the structure. In one embodiment, the fender body comprises a first resilient fender portion and a second resilient fender portion spaced apart from the first resilient fender portion. It is particularly preferred that the first and second resilient fender portions are each disposed on a respective side of the ladder assembly, with the ladder assembly disposed between the first and second resilient fender portions. In embodiments in which the fender body comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, each of the first and second side portions may comprise a resilient fender portion. In this embodiment, the ladder assembly is disposed between the resilient fender portions of the first and second end portions of the fender body. The or each resilient fender portion may have any suitable configuration to function as a fender. Preferably, each of the resilient fender portions has a rounded configuration, for example generally circular, when viewed in a horizontal cross-section with the fender body in use in its normal position and orientation. Other shapes for the fender portions may be employed, for example oval or polygonal, such as rectangular. Preferably, the or at least one resilient fender portion extends forwards, that is away from the structure when the fender assembly is in normal use, more preferably beyond the ladder assembly. In embodiments in which the fender body has first and second side portions, one or, more preferably both, of the resilient fender portions of the first and second side portions of the fender body extend outwards away from the back portion of the fender body beyond the ladder assembly. In this way at least one, preferably both of the resilient fender portions functions to protect the ladder assembly from impact and damage caused by a water-borne vessel. At other locations on the structure, such as positions sufficiently above the surface of the water that contact with a vessel is unlikely or not possible, the use of a fender portion, in particular a fender portion extending outwards beyond the ladder assembly is less important and may be omitted. The fender body may be formed from a plurality of components. For example, two or more of the back portion, front portion, first side portion and second side portion may be formed as separate components and connected together to form the fender body. Preferably, the fender body is formed as a single component comprising all of the back portion, front portion, first side portion and second side portion. It is particularly preferred that the fender body is formed as a single resilient component. The fender body is resilient. In this respect, the term ‘resilient’ is a reference to at least a portion of the fender body being resilient. For example, the fender body may comprise a resilient fender portion a described above. In one embodiment, one or both of the resilient fenders of the first and second side portions are resilient. A portion or all of the fender body that does not form one or more resilient fenders may be rigid. Preferably, substantially the entire fender body is resilient. This is particularly preferred when the fender body is formed as a single component. The fender body may be formed from any suitable material. Preferred materials to provide resilience are elastomers, with a particular preference for polyurethane elastomers. In one preferred embodiment, the resilient material comprises an ultra high performance polyurethane elastomer. Any suitable polyurethane elastomer systems may be employed, for example those based on polyester-based polyols, polyether-based polyols, Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) polyethers, polycaprolactone and naphthalenediimide (NDI) polyesters. In many preferred embodiments, the polyurethane elastomer may comprise a polyether polyurethane and / or a polyester polyurethane. Polyether polyurethanes are preferred for use in many embodiments of the present invention, in particular for marine applications. Any suitable chemical type of polyurethane may be employed, for example methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI) or mixtures thereof. MDI-based polyurethane is particularly suitable for many embodiments of the present invention. In one preferred embodiment, substantially the entire fender body is formed from a polyurethane elastomer, especially an ultra high performance polyurethane elastomer. The fender body may be formed from a material having any suitable hardness. For example, polyurethane elastomers for use in forming the fender body are available in a Shore hardness of from 60A to 80D. The material of the fender body may have a Shore A hardness of from 40, preferably from 50, more preferably from 60, still more preferably from 70. The material of the fender body may have a Shore A hardness of up to 100, preferably up to 98, more preferably up to 96, still more preferably up to 95. A Shore A hardness of from 40 to 98 is preferred, more preferably from 50 to 96, still more preferably from 60 to 95. A Shore A hardness in the range of from 75 to 95 is particularly suitable for many embodiments and applications of the fender assembly of the present invention. To improve the physical properties of the one or more resilient fender portions of the fender body, including resilience and resistance to impact, the fender body may comprise one or more cavities or openings therein, as is known in the art. The cavities are preferably disposed in at least the resilient fender portions of the fender body. The cavities or openings may have any configuration and / or be in any arrangement to provide the required physical properties. In a preferred embodiment, the or each resilient fender portion of the fender body comprises a plurality of elongate cavities extending parallel to the sides of the assembly, that is substantially vertically when the assembly is oriented in normal use. In embodiments in which the fender body is formed as a single component, cavities are preferably provided in the back portion, front portion, first side portion and second side portion of the fender body. The resilient fender assembly further comprises a ladder assembly. The ladder assembly comprises one or more rungs. In this respect, the term ‘ladder’ is a reference to any assembly that allows a person to climb onto or off of the structure to which the fender assembly is mounted. The term ‘rung’ as used herein is a reference to any component, feature or formation that provides a step for receiving the foot of a person and / or a hand hold for the hand of a person climbing up or down the ladder assembly in use. The ladder assembly is on the fender body. The components of the ladder may be provided as separate components and mounted on the fender body. For example, one or more rungs of the ladder assembly may be provided as separate components to the fender body and mounted thereon. Alternatively, and more preferably, one or more components of the ladder assembly may be formed as part of and integrally with the fender body. In one preferred embodiment, one or more rungs of the ladder assembly are formed integrally with the fender body. For example, the or each rung may be formed integrally with the front portion of the fender body. The one or more rungs of the ladder assembly may extend from the fender body. In one preferred embodiment, the or each rung extends forwards from the front portion of the fender body. The one or more rungs may be of any suitable shape and size to allow the ladder assembly to be climbed by a person, in particular to allow the person to place their feet on the rungs. Preferably, the or each rung is also configured to provide a handhold for the user. In this respect, the or each rung is preferably provided with one or more openings therein, to allow a person to grip and hold the rung with their hands. The one or more rungs of the ladder assembly may be formed from any suitable material, for example metal or plastic. The material is preferably resistant to corrosion by water, in particular sea water. In embodiments where the one or more rungs are formed integrally with the fender body, the one or more rungs are preferably formed from the same material as the portion of the fender body from which they extend. The ladder assembly may further comprise a hand rail, more preferably first and second hand rails extending on first and second sides of the one or more rungs. The or each handrail of the ladder assembly may be provided as separate components to the fender body and mounted thereto. Alternatively, the or each handrail may be formed integrally with the fender body. For example, the or each handrail may be formed integrally with the front portion of the fender body. The or each handrail may be formed from any suitable material, for example metal or plastic. The material is preferably resistant to corrosion by water, in particular sea water. In embodiments where the or each handrail is formed integrally with the fender body, the handrail is preferably formed from the same material as the portion of the fender body from which it extends. In the preferred embodiment in which the fender body comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, each rung of the ladder assembly preferably extends between the first side portion and the second side portion. As described hereinbefore, an advantage of the fender assembly of the present invention is that the ladder assembly can be protected by one or more resilient fender portions comprised in the fender body. Therefore, it is preferred for many embodiments that the fender body comprises a resilient fender portion that extends forwards beyond the ladder assembly. In this way, contact between the fender assembly and a vessel coming into contact with the fender assembly will be with the resilient fender portion and most likely not the ladder assembly. These embodiments are preferably employed at or close to the surface of the water or any other position on the structure where contact with water-borne craft may occur. In one preferred embodiment, in which the fender body comprises a first side portion having a resilient fender and a second side portion having a resilient fender, the ladder assembly is disposed between and rearwards of the front surface of the resilient fenders of at least one, preferably both the first and second side portions. In one preferred arrangement, the ladder assembly is provided in a recess extending in the front surface of the front portion of the fender body, preferably between the first and second side portions. The ladder assembly may further comprise one or more lights to illuminate the ladder assembly during use. In one preferred embodiment, the ladder assembly further comprises one or more lighting strips in or on the surface of the fender body. Each lighting strip may be disposed in any suitable location on the resilient fender assembly to provide illumination for a person climbing up or down the ladder assembly. For example, a lighting strip may be disposed in one or more resilient fender portions of the fender body. In one preferred arrangement, the ladder assembly is provided in a recess extending in the front surface of the front portion of the fender body, preferably between the first and second side portions, with one or more lighting strips disposed in one or more surfaces of the recess. The lighting may be provided by any suitable light emitting means, with light emitting diodes (LEDs) being particularly suitable for many embodiments. The fender assembly further comprises a mounting assembly for mounting the fender body on the structure. The mounting assembly may have any suitable configuration and comprise any suitable means to mount the fender body to the structure. The mounting assembly of the fender assembly may comprise one or more components of a mounting system, with the one or more components engaging with one or more other components on the structure. The mounting assembly may provide a permanent mount for the fender body. Alternatively, the mounting assembly may be configured to allow the fender assembly to be removed from the structure, for example to allow for the structure to be maintained or modified or to allow for modification, repair and / or replacement of the fender assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the fender body is arranged to protect the components of the mounting assembly, when the fender body is in place on the structure, for example to prevent damage to the mounting assembly resulting from an impact from a water-borne vessel. The mounting assembly may comprise any suitable components for mounting the fender body to the structure. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly comprises a first component mounted to or formed in the fender body. In use, the first component connects directly or indirectly with a complimentary second component on the structure, thereby securely mounting the fender body to the structure. In one embodiment, the first component of the mounting assembly connects directly with a complimentary second component on the structure. In an alternative embodiment, the first component of the mounting assembly connects with another component, such as another fender assembly, which in turn is directly or indirectly connected to the structure. In one preferred embodiment, the first component of the mounting assembly comprises a male member for engaging with a complimentary female member on the structure. Alternatively, the first component of the mounting assembly may comprise a female member, for receiving a complimentary male member extending from the structure. The fender assembly may comprise one or more male members and / or one or more female members. In one preferred embodiment, the male member is an elongate protrusion, for example a rail, and the female member is an elongate recess, for example a groove. In one preferred arrangement, the fender body is provided with one or more elongate recesses for receiving one or more elongate protrusions. In one preferred embodiment, in which the fender body comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, each side portion comprises an elongate recess for engaging with a corresponding elongate protrusion on the structure. The or each elongate protrusion and the or each elongate recess may be in any suitable orientation for holding the fender body on the structure. Preferably, the or each elongate protrusion and the or each elongate recess extend substantially vertically, as the fender body is oriented in normal use. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting assembly of the fender assembly comprises a mount for suspending the fender assembly. The fender assembly may be suspended directly from the structure. Alternatively, the fender assembly may be suspended indirectly from the structure, for example by being mounted to another fender assembly, which is itself directly or indirectly mounted to the structure, for example by being suspended. Any suitable mount to suspend the fender assembly may be employed, for example a ring or eye provided in or on the fender body. The mounting assembly preferably comprises means for preventing movement of the fender body relative to the structure, when the fender body is mounted to the structure and in use. For example, in the aforementioned embodiments, the mounting assembly may comprise one or more ribs provided on the surface of the elongate protrusion and / or the surface of the elongate recess. The fender assembly of the present invention may be provided in any suitable size, as required by the intended use of the assembly. For example, the fender assembly may be provided in any suitable size to provide a ladder assembly of the required length to allow personnel to transfer between a water-borne vessel and the structure. In one embodiment, a single fender assembly of the required dimensions, in particular the required height, may be provided. The required height of the fender assembly when in situ on the structure will be determined by such factors as the height above the water of a deck, landing, door or other opening to be accessed, as well as the expected motion of the surface of the water, for example due to the tides, waves and the like. However, it is an advantage of the present invention that the fender assembly may be provided in a modular form. In particular, a plurality of individual fender assembly modules may be provided and mounted to the structure in a vertical arrangement, to provide a ladder assembly of the required length. The modular arrangement provides advantages in the manufacture, storage, transport and installation of the fender assembly required for any end use. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a resilient fender system, the system comprising a plurality of resilient fender modules, each module comprising a fender assembly as hereinbefore described. The resilient fender system may comprise the resilient fender assemblies in any arrangement or configuration. In one preferred embodiment, the fender assemblies are arranged vertically, for example in a vertical stack, such that the ladder assemblies of the fender assemblies provide a substantially vertically extending ladder. Adjacent fender assemblies in the fender system may be connected to each other and / or connected to the structure, for example as described hereinbefore. In use, the fender assembly of the present invention may be mounted to the structure when the structure is under construction, for example before transport of the structure to an offshore location and installation. Alternatively, the fender assembly may be transported to the location separately from the structure and mounted on the structure during installation of the structure. A further advantage of the assembly of the present invention is that it may be installed on an existing structure, such as an existing offshore wind turbine, to provide improved protection and improve the ease and safety of accessing the structure. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a structure comprising a resilient fender assembly or a resilient fender system as hereinbefore described. The structure may be any structure that is required to be accessed by personnel transferring to or from a water borne craft or the water borne craft itself. In one preferred embodiment, the structure is an offshore wind turbine. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a representation of an example of a known offshore wind turbine structure; Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fender system of the present invention mounted to an offshore wind turbine structure; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 2 with the fender system displaced; Figure 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of a fender assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the fender assembly in the circle A of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a front view of the fender assembly of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a vertical cross-section of the fender assembly of Figure 4 along the line VII -VII of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a detailed view of a portion of the fender assembly in the circle B of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fender assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the back of the fender assembly of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a plan view of the fender assembly of Figure 9; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fender assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a plan view of the fender assembly of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a fender assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a detailed view of a portion of the fender assembly in the circle C of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a plan view of the fender assembly of Figure 14; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a fender assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 18 is a plan view of the fender assembly of Figure 17. Turning first to Figure 1, there is shown a representation of a known offshore wind turbine structure 2 comprising a wind turbine 4 mounted on a tower 6. The tower 6 is provided with a deck 8, which is accessed by personnel by means of a ladder assembly on piles 10. A vessel 12 is shown approaching the tower 6. Conventional practice is for the vessel 12 to approach the tower 6 and to bring the bow of the vessel into contact with the piles 10. Forward thrust of the vessel 6 is maintained, with a view to holding the bow of the vessel in contact with the piles 10, while personnel and / or equipment are transferred between the vessel and the tower. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a resilient fender system according to one embodiment of the present invention, generally identified as 102, mounted on an offshore tower 104. The resilient fender system 102 is shown in position on the tower 104 in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the resilient fender system 102 displaced from the tower 104. The resilient fender system 102 comprises a plurality of resilient fender modules. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the system 102 consists of 6 modules 106a to 106f arranged in a vertical stack. Each module 106a to 106f of the system is mounted to a pair of vertical, space apart rails 110a, 110b on the tower 104. The rails 110a, 110b on the tower engage with recesses in each module, as described in more detail below. Each rail 110a, 110b is provided with a plurality of horizontal ribs 112. The ribs 112 act to limit or prevent vertical movement of the system 102 relative to the tower 104. The number of modules in the system 102, and hence the height of the system, may be varied by changing the number of modules. The modules 106a to 106f are identical and details are shown in Figures 4 to 8 and described hereinbelow. Turning to Figure 4, there is shown a plan view of the fender assembly of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a detail of the ladder assembly in the circle A in Figure 4. A front view of the fender assembly is shown in Figure 6, as the fender assembly is oriented when mounted to a structure in normal use. A cross-section of the fender assembly is shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows a detail of the ladder assembly of the fender assembly in the circle B in Figure 7. The fender assembly, generally indicated as 202 may be used alone or as one module in a fender system, for example the fender system 102 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The fender assembly 202 comprises a fender body 204 formed from an ultra-high performance polyurethane elastomer. The fender body 204 may be formed using techniques known in the art. The fender body 204 comprises a back portion 210, a front portion 212, a first side portion 214 and a second side portion 216. In use, the fender assembly 202 is mounted to a structure with the back portion 210 of the fender body 204 adjacent and in contact with the structure and the front portion 212 facing outwards, away from the structure. In this position, the first and second side portions 214 and 216 are lateral of the back portion 210 and the front portion 212. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 8, the fender body 204 is formed as a single component. A plurality of elongate cavities 220 extend through the fender body 204. In use, with the fender assembly 202 mounted to a structure in its normal orientation, for example as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cavities 220 extend vertically through the fender body 204, as shown in the cross-section view in Figure 7. The first side portion 214 comprises a resilient fender portion 230. As seen in the plan view shown in Figure 4, the resilient fender portion 230 has a generally circular shape. Other shapes may be employed, for example elliptical or polygonal, such as rectangular. In use, the resilient fender portion 230 extends forward of the back portion 210 and the front portion 212 of the fender body 204 and is the outermost portion of the fender assembly 202. In this way, a vessel approaching the structure and the fender assembly 202 will contact or strike the resilient fender portion 230. The second side portion 216 has a corresponding resilient fender portion 232 with the same configuration as the fender portion 230 of the first side portion 214. The first side portion 214 is provided with an elongate recess 234. In use, with the fender assembly 202 in its normal orientation, the elongate recess 234 extends vertically and is towards the structure. The elongate recess 234 engages with the rail 110a on the structure shown in Figure 3 and functions to mount the fender body 204 to the rail and the structure. The second side portion 216 has a corresponding elongate recess 236 with the same configuration as the elongate recess 234 of the first side portion 214. In use, the elongate recess 236 of the second side portion 216 engages with the second rail 110b on the structure shown in Figure 3 and functions to provide a second mounting for the fender body 204 on the structure. The surface of the recesses 234 and 236 are provided with ribs 238, as shown in Figure 7. In use, with the fender body 202 mounted on the structure and the recesses 234 and 236 engaged with the rails 110a and 110b, the ribs 238 in the recesses engage with the ribs 112 on the surface of the rails and prevent vertical movement of the fender body relative to the structure. In use, with the fender body 202 mounted on the structure, the fender body 202 extends around the elongate recesses 234, 236 and the rails 110a, 110b on the structure. In this way, the fender body protects the mounting assembly from impact by a vessel. The front portion 212 of the fender body 204 is recessed, that is lies to the rear of the front surface of the side portions 214 and 216 and the resilient fender portions 230 and 230. A ladder assembly 240 is provided on the front portion 212 of the fender body 204. With the fender assembly 202 installed on a structure, for example as shown in Figure 2, the ladder assembly 240 extends vertically to allow a person to ascend or descend by climbing on the ladder assembly. The ladder assembly 240 comprises a plurality of rungs 242 extending laterally between the first and second side portions 214 and 216. The rungs 242 are formed integrally with the front portion 212 of the fender body 204. Two openings 244a, 244b are provided the rear of each rung, to allow the rung 242 to be grasped by a person climbing the ladder assembly 240. Each rung 240 is provided with a lip portion 242a along its upper front edge, as oriented in normal use, as shown in the detail view of Figure 8. The lip 242a provides additional grip for the hands and feet of a person climbing the ladder assembly 240. Handrails 246a, 246b are provided on the front portion 212 of the fender body 204 on either side of the rungs 242. The surface of each of the side portions 214, 216 facing the ladder assembly 240 is provided with an elongate channel 248a, 248b. Each channel 248a, 248b houses a lighting strip comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). An enlarged view of a portion of the fender assembly 202 of Figure 4 in the circle A is shown in Figure 5, which provides details of the ladder assembly 240, including the arrangement of the rungs 242, the handrail 246b and the lighting channel 248b. Referring now to Figures 9 to 11, there is shown a resilient fender assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, generally identified as 302. A front perspective view of the fender assembly 302 is shown in Figure 9, while Figure 10 shows a view of the back of the fender assembly. A plan view of the fender assembly 302 is shown in Figure 11. The fender assembly 302 has a similar configuration to the assembly 202 of Figures 4 to 8 as described above and is employed in an analogous manner. The fender assembly, generally indicated as 302 may used alone or as one module in a fender system, for example the fender system 102 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The fender assembly 302 comprises a fender body 304 formed from an ultra-high performance polyurethane elastomer. The fender body 304 may be formed using techniques known in the art. The fender body 304 comprises a back portion 310, a front portion 312, a first side portion 314 and a second side portion 316. In use, the fender assembly 302 is mounted to a structure with the back portion 310 of the fender body 304 adjacent and in contact with the structure and the front portion 312 facing outwards, away from the structure. In this position, the first and second side portions 314 and 316 are lateral of the back portion 310 and the front portion 312. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the fender body 304 is formed as a single component. A plurality of elongate cavities 320 extend through the fender body 304. In use, with the fender assembly 302 mounted to a structure in its normal orientation, for example as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cavities 320 extend vertically through the fender body 304. The first side portion 314 comprises a generally flat front portion 330, as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 11. The second side portion 316 also comprises a generally flat front portion 332, as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 11. In use, the front portions 330, 332 are the outermost portion of the fender assembly 302. In this way, a vessel approaching the structure and the fender assembly 302 will contact or strike the front portions 330, 332. However, the fender assembly 302 of this embodiment is preferably used in a position on the structure where impact from a water borne craft is unlikely or not possible, for example at a position sufficiently above the surface of the water. A fender assembly 202 as shown in Figures 4 to 8 is preferably used at lower positions, including at or adjacent the surface of the water, where contact with and impact from a vessel is likely to occur. The first side portion 314 is provided with an elongate recess 334. In use, with the fender assembly 302 in its normal orientation, the elongate recess 334 extends vertically and is towards the structure. The elongate recess 334 engages with the rail 110a on the structure shown in Figure 3 and functions to mount the fender body 304 to the rail and the structure. The second side portion 316 has a corresponding elongate recess 336 with the same configuration as the elongate recess 334 of the first side portion 314. In use, the elongate recess 336 of the second side portion 316 engages with the second rail 110b on the structure shown in Figure 3 and functions to provide a second mounting for the fender body 304 on the structure. The surface of the recesses 334 and 336 are provided with ribs 338, as shown in Figure 10. In use, with the fender body 302 mounted on the structure and the recesses 334 and 336 engaged with the rails 110a and 110b, the ribs 338 in the recesses engage with the ribs 112 on the surface of the rails and prevent vertical movement of the fender body relative to the structure. The front portion 312 of the fender body 304 is recessed, that is lies to the rear of the front surfaces of the side portions 314 and 316. A ladder assembly 340 is provided on the front portion 312 of the fender body 304. With the fender assembly 302 installed on a structure, for example as shown in Figure 2, the ladder assembly 340 extends vertically to allow a person to ascend or descend by climbing on the ladder assembly. The ladder assembly 340 comprises a plurality of rungs 342 extending laterally between the first and second side portions 314 and 316. The rungs 342 are formed integrally with the front portion 312 of the fender body 304. Two openings 344a, 344b are provided the rear of each rung, to allow the rung 342 to be grasped by a person climbing the ladder assembly 340. Each rung 340 is provided with a lip portion 342a along its upper front edge, as oriented in normal use, in the same manner as shown in Figure 8. The lip 342a provides additional grip for the hands and feet of a person climbing the ladder assembly 340. Handrails 346a, 346b are provided on the front portion 312 of the fender body 304 on either side of the rungs 342. The surface of each of the side portions 314, 316 facing the ladder assembly 340 is provided with an elongate channel 348a, 348b. Each channel 348a, 348b houses a lighting strip comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, there is shown a resilient fender assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, generally identified as 402. A front view of the fender assembly 402 is shown in Figure 12. A plan view of the fender assembly 402 is shown in Figure 13. The fender assembly 402 has a similar configuration to the assembly 202 of Figures 4 to 8 as described above and is employed in an analogous manner. The fender assembly, generally indicated as 402 may used alone or as one module in a fender system, for example the fender system 102 shown in Figures 2 and 3. If used in a fender system, the fender assembly 402 of this embodiment is generally employed as the uppermost or top assembly, to allow personnel to move onto or off of the ladder assembly, for example from a quay, platform, deck or the like. The fender assembly 402 comprises a fender body 404 formed from an ultra-high performance polyurethane elastomer. The fender body 404 may be formed using techniques known in the art. The fender body 404 comprises a back portion 410, a front portion 412, a first side portion 414 and a second side portion 416. In use, the fender assembly 402 is mounted to a structure with the back portion 410 of the fender body 404 adjacent and in contact with the structure and the front portion 412 facing outwards, away from the structure. In this position, the first and second side portions 414 and 416 are lateral of the back portion 410 and the front portion 412. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the fender body 404 is formed as a single component. A plurality of elongate cavities 420 extend through the fender body 404 in an analogous manner as described hereinbefore with respect to the first and second embodiments. The first side portion 414 comprises a generally flat front portion 430, as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 13. The second side portion 416 also comprises a generally flat front portion 432, as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 13. In use, the front portions 430, 432 are the outermost portion of the fender assembly 402. In this way, a vessel approaching the structure and the fender assembly 402 will contact or strike the resilient front portions 430 and 432. However, the fender assembly 402 of this embodiment is preferably used in a position on the structure where impact from a water borne craft is unlikely or not possible, for example at the top of a fender assembly as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first side portion 414 is provided with a plurality of recesses 434 in its outer forward surface, each recess having a bore 434a extending to the rear surface for receiving a bolt (not shown). In use, with the fender assembly 402 in its normal orientation, the fender assembly is secured to the structure by bolts extending through the bores 434a. The second side portion 416 has a corresponding arrangement of recesses and bores. A ladder assembly 440 is provided on the front portion 412 of the fender body 404. With the fender assembly 402 installed on a structure, for example as shown in Figure 2, the ladder assembly 440 extends vertically to allow a person to ascend or descend by climbing on the ladder assembly. The ladder assembly 440 comprises a plurality of rungs 442 extending laterally between the first and second side portions 414 and 416. The rungs 442 are formed integrally with the front portion 412 of the fender body 404 and spaced from the front portion 412 of the fender body. The fender body 404 is provided with a pair of hand rail loops 450 extending upwards and rearwards from the top of the front portion 412 of the fender body. The hand rail loops 450 are used by a person climbing on to or off of the top of the ladder assembly 440. The assembly 402 may be used alone. Alternatively, a plurality of assemblies 402 may be combined to form a system, such as shown in Figures 2 and 3, with the assemblies 402 stacked vertically. In this arrangement, only the top assembly 402 is provided with the hand rail loops 450. Referring to Figures 14 to 16, there is shown a resilient fender assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, generally identified as 502. A front view of the fender assembly 502 is shown in Figure 14. Figure 15 shows an enlarged view of a detail of the ladder assembly of the fender assembly of Figure 14. A plan view of the fender assembly 502 is shown in Figure 16. The fender assembly 502 has a similar configuration to the assembly 202 of Figures 4 to 8 as described above and is employed in an analogous manner. The fender assembly, generally indicated as 502 may used alone or as one module in a fender system, for example the fender system 102 shown in Figures 2 and 3. If used in a fender system, the fender assembly 502 of this embodiment is generally employed as the uppermost or top assembly, to allow personnel to move onto or off of the ladder assembly, for example from a quay, platform, deck or the like. The fender assembly 502 comprises a fender body 504 formed from an ultra-high performance polyurethane elastomer. The fender body 504 may be formed using techniques known in the art. The fender body 504 comprises a back portion 510, a front portion 512, a first side portion 514 and a second side portion 516. In use, the fender assembly 502 is mounted to a structure with the back portion 510 of the fender body 504 adjacent and in contact with the structure and the front portion 512 facing outwards, away from the structure. In this position, the first and second side portions 514 and 516 are lateral of the back portion 510 and the front portion 512. In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 16, the fender body 504 is formed as a single component. A plurality of elongate cavities 520 extend through the fender body 504 in an analogous manner as described hereinbefore with respect to the first and second embodiments. The first side portion 514 comprises a generally flat front portion 530, as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 16. The second side portion 516 also comprises a generally flat front portion 532, as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 16. In use, the front portions 530, 532 are the outermost portion of the fender assembly 502. In this way, a vessel approaching the structure and the fender assembly 502 will contact or strike the resilient front portions 530 and 532. However, the fender assembly 502 of this embodiment is preferably used in a position on the structure where impact from a water borne craft is unlikely or not possible, for example at the top of a fender assembly as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The first side portion 514 is provided with a plurality of recesses 534 in its outer forward surface, each recess having a bore 534a extending to the rear surface for receiving a bolt (not shown). In use, with the fender assembly 502 in its normal orientation, the fender assembly is secured to the structure by bolts extending through the bores 534a. The second side portion 516 has a corresponding arrangement of recesses and bores. A ladder assembly 540 is provided on the front portion 512 of the fender body 504. With the fender assembly 502 installed on a structure, for example as shown in Figure 2, the ladder assembly 540 extends vertically to allow a person to ascend or descend by climbing on the ladder assembly. The ladder assembly 540 comprises a plurality of rungs 542 extending laterally between the first and second side portions 514 and 516. The rungs 542 are formed integrally with the front portion 512 of the fender body 504 and are arranged on the front surface of the front portion 512 of the fender body between the front portions 530, 532 of the first and second side portions 514, 516. Two openings 544a, 544b are provided the rear of each rung, to allow the rung 542 to be grasped by a person climbing the ladder assembly 540. Each rung 540 is provided with a lip portion 542a along its upper front edge, as oriented in normal use, in the same manner as shown in Figure 8. The lip 542a provides additional grip for the hands and feet of a person climbing the ladder assembly 540. Details of the ladder assembly 540 are shown in the enlarged view in Figure 15. Handrails 546a, 546b are provided on the front portion 512 of the fender body 504 on either side of the rungs 542. Each rung 540 and its respective openings 544a, 544b extending laterally in front of a step recess 548 formed in the front portion 512 of the fender body. The fender body 504 is provided with a pair of hand rail loops 550 extending upwards and rearwards from the top of the front portion 512 of the fender body. The hand rail loops 550 are used by a person climbing on to or off of the top of the ladder assembly 540. One or more of the assemblies 502 may be employed in a system and stacked vertically, such as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this case, hand rail loops 550 are provided on the top most assembly 502 only. Finally, referring to Figures 17 and 18, there is shown a resilient fender assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, generally identified as 602. A front perspective view of the fender assembly 602 is shown in Figure 17. A plan view of the fender assembly 602 is shown in Figure 18. The fender assembly 602 has a similar configuration to the assembly 202 of Figures 4 to 8 as described above and is employed in an analogous manner. The fender assembly, generally indicated as 602 may used alone or as one module in a fender system, for example the fender system 102 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The fender assembly 602 is used, for example to extend the length of the ladder. The fender assembly 602 comprises a fender body 604 formed from an ultra-high performance polyurethane elastomer. The fender body 604 may be formed using techniques known in the art. The fender body 604 comprises a back portion 610, a front portion 612, a first side portion 614 and a second side portion 616. In use, the fender assembly 602 is mounted to a structure with the back portion 610 of the fender body 604 towards the structure and the front portion 612 facing outwards, away from the structure. In this position, the first and second side portions 614 and 616 are lateral of the back portion 610 and the front portion 612. In the embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18, the fender body 604 is formed as a single component. A plurality of elongate cavities 620 extend through the fender body 604 in an analogous manner as described hereinbefore with respect to the first and second embodiments. The fender assembly 602 of this embodiment is preferably used in a position on the structure where impact from a water borne craft is unlikely or not possible, for example in the upper portion of a fender assembly as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The fender assembly is provided with a pair of eyes 634 on the upper surface of the side portions 614, 616. In use, the fender assembly 602 is suspended directly or indirectly from the structure, for example by cables or chains attached to the eyes 634 or by having the eyes 634 connected by a suitable link to an adjacent fender assembly. A ladder assembly 640 is provided on the front portion 612 of the fender body 604. With the fender assembly 602 installed on a structure, for example as shown in Figure 2, the ladder assembly 640 extends vertically to allow a person to ascend or descend by climbing on the ladder assembly. The ladder assembly 640 comprises a plurality of rungs 642 extending laterally between the first and second side portions 614 and 616. The rungs 642 are formed integrally with the front portion 612 of the fender body 604 and are arranged on the front surface of the front portion 612 of the fender body between the first and second side portions 614, 616. Two openings 644a, 644b are provided the rear of each rung, to allow the rung 642 to be grasped by a person climbing the ladder assembly 640. Each rung 640 is provided with a lip portion 642a along its upper front edge, as oriented in normal use, in the same manner as shown in Figure 8. Handrails 646a, 646b are provided on the front portion 612 of the fender body 604 on either side of the rungs 642. Each rung 640 and its respective openings 644a, 644b extending laterally in front of a step recess 648 formed in the front portion 612 of the fender body.

Claims

1. A resilient fender assembly for mounting to a structure, the resilient fender assembly comprising:a resilient fender body;a ladder assembly on the fender body, the ladder assembly comprising one or more rungs; anda mounting assembly for mounting the fender body on the structure.

2. The fender assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fender body comprises at least one resilient fender portion.

3. The fender assembly according to claim 2, wherein the at least one resilient fender portion is disposed on the fender body in a location that is outward of the ladder assembly.

4. The fender assembly according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fender body comprises a first resilient fender portion and a second resilient fender portion spaced apart from the first resilient fender portion.

5. The fender assembly according to claim 4, wherein the ladder assembly is disposed between the first resilient fender portion and the second resilient fender portion.

6. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fender body is formed as a single resilient component.

7. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein substantially theentire fender body is resilient.

8. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fender body comprises a resilient material, wherein the resilient material comprises an ultra high performance polyurethane elastomer.

9. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more rungs of the ladder assembly are formed integrally with the fender body.

10. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each rung extends forwards from a front portion of the fender body.

11. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each rung is preferably provided with one or more openings therein, to allow a person to grip and hold the rung with their hands.

12. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fender body comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, each rung of the ladder assembly extending between the first side portion and the second side portion.

13. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the ladder assembly is provided in a recess in a front portion of the fender body.

14. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the ladder assembly further comprises one or more handrails.

15. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the ladder assembly further comprises one or more lighting strips in or on the surface of the fender body.

16. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to allow the fender assembly to be removed from the structure.

17. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fender body is arranged to protect the components of the mounting assembly, when the fender body is in place on the structure.

18. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a male member for engaging with a complimentary female member on the structure and / or the mounting assembly comprises a female member for receiving a complimentary male member extending from the structure.

19. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting assembly comprises means for preventing movement of the fender body relative to the structure.

20. The fender assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a mount for suspending the fender assembly.

21. A resilient fender system, the system comprising a plurality of resilient fender modules, each module comprising a fender assembly according to any preceding claim.5 22. The resilient fender system according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of fendermodules are arranged vertically in a stack.

23. A structure comprising a resilient fender assembly according to any of claims 1 to20 or a resilient fender system according to either of claims 21 or 22.

24. The structure according to claim 23, wherein the structure is an offshore structure, a 10 structure adjacent a body of water or a water-borne craft.

25. The structure according to claim 24, wherein the structure is an offshore wind turbine installation.15

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