VIKING and Lockheed Martin join forces to create a unique personnel transfer system

Lockheed Martin’s advanced hull form design combined with VIKING’s revolutionary Selstair™ access system will offer high capacity personnel transfer from ship to platform without the disadvantages of air lifting.

The transfer challenge
Overcrowded air space in offshore regions and limited helicopter capacity are leading major operators to seek an alternative to air travel.

While crew boats and supply vessels can carry a much larger number of passengers, ferrying personnel presents its own challenges.

Traditionally personnel are lifted from ship to platform by crane in winching baskets. Not only is it inherently risky and historically accident prone, it is also time consuming and complicated by the effect of the heaving, pitching and rolling motions of the vessels. As soon as the basket is lifted of the deck it swings freely causing great discomfort for many crew members as they are winched up to the platform.

Controlled and convenient access
The complete system consists of the VIKING Selstair will be connected to the Lockheed SLICEŽ technology vessel by the CEWay™ interface. This unique combination will provide a flexible and stable platform for transferring crew safely at a lower transfer level. As the connection from vessel to platform is moved down to water level, air lifting is avoided, making transfer safer and easier.

Selstair’s collapsible staircase will be lowered to the sea and stabilized from the major effects of wind and current. Non-slip aluminium steps and landings, handrails and net around the staircase ensure safe passage both to and from the installation. The stable staircase eliminates the problem of disconcerting movement experienced with basket transfer. The staircase can be remotely controlled and stored inside its container when not in use, protecting it from the environment and reducing maintenance as well as preventing unwanted access to the installation.

“The VIKING Selstair combined with Lockheed's unique hull form design will be a flexible and cost-effective personnel transfer solution for the operator that is safe and comfortable for personnel," says Lars Bjoland, Technical Manager in VIKING Norway.

Lockheed Martin is an innovator in developing revolutionary ship design for military and commercial use. Their new technologies allow vessels to operate at high speeds with low motion. Lockheed Martin and VIKING, a world leader in maritime life-saving equipment, are now combining their expertise to create a better solution for offshore personnel transfer.