Offshore vessels, particularly offshore construction vessels, present an impressive profile with their massive cranes, towers and pipelay and cablelay systems and carousels. However, alongside these are less obvious but equally vital deck machinery systems that include winches for mooring and, on certain vessels, for anchor handling and other duties, plus towing gear, small cranes for cargo handling, lifeboat davits and more beside. Recent developments in these less obvious systems - both in terms of technology and innovation and regulation - have seen new equipment being given initial references and some impending changes to Solas that will see recommendations upgraded to mandatory requirements and new regulations on the cards for winches and lifting gear.
展开▼
