Pioneering Crew Transfers at Sea
MacGregor's latest innovation marks a bold shift in offshore operations. By securing DNV certification for their Horizon gangway's floating-to-floating (F2F) personnel transfer capability, they’ve knocked down a wall that confined crew movements to ports. Now, operators can juggle schedules more flexibly, immensely benefiting floating facilities like FPSOs and wind arrays where docks aren't a luxury.
"Flexible crewing models mean at-sea crew changes without rerouting," explained Prateek Sadhana, product magic from MacGregor's Walk-to-Work Gangways.
Dynamic Connection Solution
At the core of this F2F transfer is an imaginative gangway flap, ditching the static docking head for a LiDAR-guided, motion-compensated connection. This isn't merely swapping parts—it's revolutionizing how crews shift between floating assets bobbing independently on the sea.
This evolution tweaks the operational playbook for offshore service fleets, erasing the need for port visits as checkpoints in their schedules. Service campaigns can now align with the field’s rhythm, not the port’s clock.
A Retroactive Approach
This innovation doesn’t demand a complete overhaul, either. It's an adaptation of the existing Horizon gangway platform. This retrofit possibility means operators already in the MacGregor ecosystem won't find themselves entangled in bureaucratic red tape. They just upgrade the gangway with the newfound F2F functionality.
Sadhana didn't mince words, "Certification commercially and technically confirms this tech’s robustness, instilling confidence in owners and insurers alike." When you've got DNV's stamp of approval, it's a big seal of trust for all stakeholders.
Broader Industry Implications
Swinging back to the real-world implications, MacGregor is slotting this concept into real strategies. They’ll show it off at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, a time and place where the offshore industry heavyweights converge. It's a strategic move timed perfectly.
In terms of numbers, MacGregor doesn't stand small. With EUR 830 million sales in 2025 and operations spanning 30 nations, this is a whale in the ocean of maritime solutions. And with this Horizon gangway extension, they’re certainly swimming forward.
Reshaping Offshore Strategy
The F2F capability slots into MacGregor’s sustainability roadmap—maximizing efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints. By helping customers dodge unnecessary port calls, they’re not just freeing up operational time but also trimming down emissions. A greener way of tackling logistics in the open seas.
For the floating wind industry—always tethered by the lack of a dock—this could spell more predictable and eco-friendly operations, netting them not just tangible savings, but a nod from eco-conscious stakeholders too.
Final Thoughts
MacGregor figured a way to shake up the maritime world with their Horizon gangway extension. It’s a game-changer letting operators conduct business according to their own schedule. They’ve redefined how entities in the maritime realm can think about logistics and personnel strategies. All told, the sea just got a bit friendlier for those floating about.
