Transmission system operator TenneT TSO has launched a qualification system for the provision of Walk-2-Work (W2W) vessels in the German or the Dutch North Sea.
TenneT’s understanding of a W2W vessel is defined as a vessel with station keeping capabilities and a motion-compensated gangway that enables offshore workers to access offshore installations.
Other industry terms are Service Operation Vessel (SOV), or Accommodation Vessel, the TSO said.
For each requirement of a W2W, TenneT will issue an invitation to tender (ITT).
The W2W shall support scheduled and unscheduled maintenance campaigns at TenneT’s offshore assets.
The technical requirements can vary in its nature, depending on the scope of work the unit shall fulfill.
In general, TenneT intends to use such units for platform support services such as accommodation, transfer of personnel between the platform and the W2W vessel, transporting small amounts of cargo, lifting, and helicopter flight support. Besides those main tasks, several side tasks may be requested.