Plany introduces textile door concept for gangway lift towers in offshore wind

The cost of generating electricity from offshore wind energy has been declining over the past decade, but is still more expensive than fossil fuel-based production. To become more competitive, the offshore wind industry must continually innovate in order to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

“Offshore wind farms must make improvements in all aspects of their operations. This includes something as mundane as doors. Every part contributes to the whole,” says Saure.

The Plany Roller Gate System is a unique door solution for use with motion-compensated gangways on service operation vessels (SOVs) for offshore wind farms. Made of PVC-coated fabric, the door resembles an adjustable vertical blind rather than a standard metal rolling door.

The system is attached to the lift tower on a vessel. When service personnel need to “walk to work” onto the wind turbine, a gangway is positioned between the lift tower and the turbine, providing safe passage.

“The Plany Roller Gate moves up and down automatically on the lift tower as the gangway changes height with the motion of the sea. In collaboration with a lift tower manufacturer, we have created a more flexible and durable door solution than what is currently available,” says Saure.

The adjustable door continually seals off the lift tower opening, leaving only the gangway entrance accessible to personnel. The system is operated with hydraulic or electric power and is customised for each vessel.

The Plany Roller Gate System improves on metal doors in a number of ways.

“Our door solution is quiet, corrosion resistant, and easy to maintain. In fact, repairs can be done offshore, which saves money, and the cost of replacement is lower than metal doors,” says Saure.

In addition, the system stands up to all kinds of weather. Besides being wind and water safe, the material is more resistant to icing than metal doors.

“Overall, the Plany Roller Gate System provides a cost-effective solution that can enhance the efficiency of offshore wind operations,” he continues.

SOVs and other offshore wind vessels are in high demand. Many of these vessels will have lift towers and gangways that require safe and efficient door solutions.

“We see enormous opportunities in the offshore wind industry. The world needs clean energy, and many new offshore wind projects are being established,” says Saure.

Plany is introducing the Roller Gate System in Canada and other markets around the world. The company also offers a related product, the Plany Curtain System, a canvas door solution for covering hangars on ships.

Established in 1964, Plany supplies high-quality technical textiles for use in the aquaculture, agriculture and maritime sectors.