Booming BusinessOne of the most attractive industries to invest your funds in as investor is the offshore access industry. Offshore access entails that personnel is transferred on sea, for example, from a boat to an offshore oil platform. There are various ways in which this can be done. However, two options are the most popular with clients, the helicopter and the differentiated system. This article will explain the difference, pros & cons and which one is the best.
Offshore Transport MethodsCurrently, the helicopter is the most used offshore transport method. Especially in the conservative offshore oil & gas industry, the helicopter is used the most. The helicopter is already providing offshore access since the seventies of the previous century. The main advantage of the helicopter is its fast lead time.
However, the helicopter has more disadvantages. Common problems with the helicopter as offshore access method include:
? Relatively unsafe, there have been quite some accidents in the past with the helicopter. Accidents offshore can lead to injured personnel and in some cases even casualties. This will damage the reputation of company in question.
? Vulnerable to external conditions. The helicopter is unable to operate in adverse weather conditions. For example, if there is a fog, the helicopter will not be able to transport the personnel offshore.
? Highest overall project costs. The helicopter is relatively inexpensive to use once, but if the helicopter is needed multiple times a day for a few months, costs can become quite high.
One of the latest innovations in the offshore access industry is the differentiated offshore access system. This system is a machine with six or five hydraulic legs that are able to compensate wave motions. The compensation is made possible by the technology of flight simulators. Moreover, the system comprises of a gangway that enables personnel to cross safely.
The differentiated system is the safest, most reliable and cost efficient method available at the moment. Up till now, the differentiated system has had no accidents. Moreover, it can compensate wave motions up till 4 meters, so it is less vulnerable to external conditions. The system seems very expensive to lease, but it can be used without limits for every imaginable project. This will lead to lower overall project costs.
EvaluationWithout a doubt, the offshore access system is the most advanced method of transferring personnel on sea. It may seem expensive at first, but there is no safer, more reliable or flexible method available. In the end this can prevent huge costs, for example, when an accident happens.
For more information about this attractive industry:
offshore hiringand even:
offshore operationsBy Tyler Mcveigh
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