Deutsche Offshore (DO) has announced a major technological upgrade for its fleet of Construction and Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (C-CSOV), selecting Mission Equipment from Dutch specialist SMST.
SMST, one of the leaders in the development of advanced offshore systems, will supply DO with its latest Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB-L2) gangway system and a 50-ton Offshore Knuckle Boom Crane (KBC-L) featuring 3D motion compensation.
“Crane and gangway systems are the most critical components influencing our vessels’ performance,” said Johannes Wolters, Managing Director at Deutsche Offshore. “We are excited to partner with SMST to deliver a high-performance system that ensures safe, reliable operations—even in harsh weather conditions. This collaboration underscores the innovative spirit of our new C-CSOV fleet.”
The TAB-L2 gangway system sets a new benchmark in the industry, offering the greatest height flexibility available on the market. Its 18-meter vertical stroke allows the vessel to achieve horizontal access from 12 to 30 meters above the waterline, ensuring optimal adaptability across a wide range of operational scenarios. To further boost performance, the system is equipped with automatic landing capabilities and a condition-based monitoring system (CBM).
“The gangway features our smartTRACKER technology, which allows for autonomous positioning and connection,” said Jochem Tuinstra, Sales Manager at SMST. “This not only enhances efficiency but also significantly improves safety and precision during lifting and walk-to-work (W2W) operations.”
The KBC-L knuckle boom crane is equally innovative. In construction mode, it offers an Active Heave Compensated (AHC) lift of up to 50 tons, enabling the vessel to support offshore wind farm construction and other heavy-duty offshore operations. In 3D motion compensation mode, the crane can handle up to 10 tons at 30-meter heights with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring seamless performance even in dynamic marine conditions. A live collision avoidance system further enhances operational safety.
