Beyond the Gangway: The Strategic Evolution of Walk-to-Work in Offshore Logistics

From routine transfers on motion-compensated gangways to drones reshaping offshore logistics, Walk to Work (W2W) systems have become central to the growth of offshore wind. Once a technical add-on, they are now strategic assets that demand close collaboration with clients, continuous innovation in design, and deeper integration into project-wide logistics.

As offshore operations expand in scale and complexity, W2W is evolving from mere "safe passage" to a driver of efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain alignment.

Collaboration: Critical Cogs in the Logistics Machine

Today's gangway systems are no longer just tools; they are critical components of offshore logistics. As Daniel Verschoor, Director of Global Operations at Ampelmann, explains, the industry has moved from having backup transfer methods to relying almost exclusively on gangways. If the system doesn't work, it directly results in downtime. W2W now needs to be integrated much more deeply within the wider project to ensure continuous operations.

With rising supply chain costs, the responsibility of providers is clear. Boudewijn Visser, Director of Innovations, emphasizes the need to continuously raise the bar for both operational and technical performance without compromising on safety to help reduce overall industry costs.

Innovation: Electrification and Modularity

Market dynamics are driving a re-evaluation of how access providers engage with the supply chain, extending beyond project coordination to long-term ESG commitments.

• Electrification: The push to reduce emissions is leading to electrical systems that consume 80% less energy. This innovation is driven by the vessel market's move toward hybrid and battery-powered solutions. As vessels strip down energy consumers to extend battery life, the push to electrify gangway systems becomes critical.
• Modularity: As global demands diverge—from "mini SOVs" to varied sea conditions—modularity has become key. Visser describes the approach as using "Lego blocks" to configure systems together with clients to get the right setup for the specific job.

Integration: Redefining the Role of Access

It's time to redefine the gangway. Ivar Boom, Director of Structural Change, suggests focusing less on wave heights and more on "workability" and "hands-on-tool time".

• Logistics Partner: By integrating into the shared logistics of a project, access providers can assist with planning, vessel approaches, and workability predictions to optimize schedules across an entire wind farm.
• The Real Metric: The conversation is moving away from significant wave heights and toward the actual time technicians spend working on the turbine, which is the essential value W2W provides.

The Connectivity Revolution: 5G and Satellite

In the complex environment of offshore wind, communication is often the biggest bottleneck. Global satellite coverage and the rollout of 5G are game-changers for operational uptime.

Daniel Verschoor notes that the difference between a well-connected site and one without internet is "night and day." With full connectivity, issues can often be resolved in one or two hours; without it, the same issue could take three days. Connectivity allows for immediate solutions to unexpected challenges, broadening uptime and smoothing project execution.

The Drone Era Takes Flight

Just as W2W systems required a mindset shift years ago, the introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is now elevating offshore logistics to a new level. Ampelmann is pioneering the use of Cargo Drone Services, demanding a rethink of what it means to be an access provider. This evolution pushes the industry to treat the wind farm as a single logistic challenge, creating opportunities to optimize the entire supply chain and drive costs down.