Northumberland-based Osbit and Dutch subsea technology company Seatools have entered into a collaborative agreement to develop innovative new offshore systems including active motion compensated Walk to Work gangways.
Combining Osbit’s established expertise in the supply of offshore equipment such as telescopic gangways with Seatools’ specialist control system capabilities, the two companies are creating innovative systems for the oil & gas and offshore renewables sectors.
The collaboration has already delivered its first product innovation. Building on Osbit’s established passive telescopic gangways, MaXccess P-Series, the two companies have combined their capabilities to develop the MaXccess AM-Series of Active Motion Compensated gangway systems.
Osbit’s MaXccess AM-Series unites the company’s established expertise in the provision of passive telescopic gangway systems with real-time, active control systems provided by Seatools, allowing AM-Series gangways to actively compensate for vessel motions and transfer personnel quickly and safely to a wide range of offshore structures.
Tony Trapp, Executive Chairman of Osbit, which is based in Riding Mill, said: “Entering into this collaborative agreement with Seatools supports Osbit’s ambition to create innovative and effective solutions for the offshore industry. Seatools has established an enviable reputation for the development and deployment of bespoke, real-time control systems for offshore equipment. Its proven technology, combined with our design and build expertise, will add real value and reduce risk for our customers”
Jan Frumau, Managing Director of Seatools commented: “This cooperation brings out the best of the expertise of the two companies by combining Osbit’s knowledge of heavy duty, cost effective mechanical and hydraulic solutions with Seatools’ expertise in subsea equipment and advanced controls. I am convinced that together we are capable of providing highly innovative yet very robust and reliable solutions for our clients.”