After a rigorous selection process, Deutsche Offshore has finalized its decision to outfit its Construction and Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (C-CSOVs) with advanced mission equipment from Dutch manufacturer SMST. The deal includes a Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB-L2) gangway and a 50-ton Offshore Knuckle Boom Crane (KBC-L), both built to perform in harsh offshore environments.
The C-CSOV market is evolving rapidly, and vessel performance often hinges on the capabilities of its mission-critical gear. According to Johannes Wolters, Managing Director at Deutsche Offshore, the choice of crane and gangway directly influences vessel functionality. “Crane and gangway will have the single most important influence on the performance of our vessels of any component on board,” he said. “We are thrilled to have SMST as partner to realize the innovative nature of our vessels.”
At the center of this equipment package is SMST’s TAB-L2 gangway system, offering a vertical stroke of 18 meters—claimed to be the highest in the market. That allows for 100% horizontal access between 12 and 30 meters above the waterline, accommodating a range of operational scenarios in offshore commissioning and construction support.
For added efficiency, the gangway is fitted with automatic landing functionality and a condition-based monitoring system (CBM). It also comes with SMST’s proprietary smartTRACKER—enabling autonomous positioning and safe vessel-to-wind-turbine (W2W) connectivity. Jochem Tuinstra, Sales Manager at SMST, noted, “With these features, we ensure optimal flexibility and efficiency for Deutsche Offshore’s lifting and W2W operations.”
The KBC-L crane adds another layer of flexibility. In standard construction mode, it supports a 50-ton Active Heave Compensated (AHC) lift—giving the C-CSOVs the ability to handle heavier offshore wind farm components than typical CSOV designs. Switch to 3D motion compensation, and the crane provides up to 10-ton lifts at 30-meter heights, ensuring precise handling in turbulent sea states.
A standout feature is the live collision avoidance system built into the crane, supporting safer operations by assisting operators during complex lifts. The system is designed with redundancy and reliability in mind, fitting Deutsche Offshore’s emphasis on high performance and operational continuity.
This equipment package aligns with the broader trend toward multi-role offshore vessels, as operators demand platforms that can handle varied tasks with fewer constraints. With commissioning deadlines tight and weather windows often narrow, tools like auto-landing gangways and 3D-compensated cranes aren’t just conveniences—they’re necessities.
