DNV GL Calls Industry to 'Step Up' to W2W Challenges
DNV GL is initiating a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to provide guidance on an alternative means of personnel transfer onto offshore installations, sometimes referred to as 'Walk to Work' (W2W).
Background
The “Walk to Work” (W2W) approach, where offshore installations are manned from a ship via gangway is being increasingly considered and used in the North Sea and other oil and gas regions to replace or supplement traditional manning methods such as helicopter, flotel or barge.
W2W manning can offer many significant benefits including: cost reduction; increased productivity; greater and more flexible man-hour delivery; additional bed space; resource sharing; and, reduced worker major accident risk. The ability to use W2W also provides an alternative to helicopters should, for example, there are exceptional circumstances that impacts helicopter availability.
The JIP
The goal of the JIP is to develop and release W2W industry guidance within six months of the project beginning.
The JIP aims to capture, collate and further develop existing experience and material from a number of parties including offshore installation and vessel operators, gangway suppliers, and regulators. The JIP will also seek experience transfer from the emerging offshore wind industry which is actively researching W2W solutions to meet their need.
The JIP will develop guidance on all aspects of W2W, creating a foundation reference source that supports delivery of safe, efficient and cost-effective W2W manning solutions. The guidance will assist regulatory compliance and adherence to existing industry guidance such as the Oil & Gas UK/Step Change “Marine Transfer of Personnel” Guidelines.
“We know W2W manning of installations have been, and currently are being, undertaken to varying degrees of success and we do not want to re-invent the wheel. This JIP aims to bring together the most up to date feedback, experiences and lessons learnt, in order to assist those involved in a W2W project understand the issues and make appropriate decisions," says Hamish Holt, Principal Consultant with DNV GL.