Our partnership with Dong Fang Offshore 東方風能 (DFO), Taiwan’s leading vessel solutions provider for offshore wind projects, marks a significant milestone in the offshore industry. Specialising in motion-compensated gangways, we introduced our Safeway Seagull system to the challenging waters of Taiwan, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. This article explores the success of our partnership, the impact of the Safeway Seagull, and the future of this collaboration.
Pioneering with Safeway Seagull in Taiwan
The Safeway Seagull system was designed for retrofitting existing vessels and is known for its features such as a 10-metre vertical elevation range, hover mode, and easy plug-and-play installation. The system has proven ideal for offshore maintenance campaigns. DFO successfully converted the Orient Constructor into the first Taiwan-flagged subsea construction and Walk2Work vessel using the Safeway Seagull system, showcasing its leading role in the region.
High quality solutions
However, being the first was not DFO’s main goal. Ben Darrington, COO of Dong Fang Offshore, explains: “Our focus is on delivering the high-quality solutions needed, especially in the challenging offshore conditions in Taiwan.The presence of a locally-based Walk2Work vessel has significantly improved operational capabilities and responsiveness to customer needs in Taiwan.”
Technical workability and reliability
Before selecting Safeway for their first vessel, an extensive evaluation of various gangway systems was conducted. The decision to choose the Safeway Seagull system was driven by its high technical capabilities and reliability. Darrington explains: “We chose the Safeway Seagull system because of its high technical workability, good quality, and strong reputation. Additionally, the way Safeway wanted to establish a true partnership with DFO was crucial in this decision, transforming a traditional customer-supplier relationship into a collaborative effort aimed at mutual success.”
A true partnership
This emphasis on collaboration and mutual success defines our partnership with DFO. Teamwork and problem solving are at the core of this relationship. Darrington highlights the collaborative effort to adapt to technical challenges and changing conditions, key to overcoming obstacles such as logistical challenges and regulatory changes. “A true partnership is about working together as a team, solving problems, and proactively adapting to specific situations,” Darrington explains.
Meeting expectations with Safeway Seagull
Reflecting on our collaboration, Darrington highlighted the system’s success, noting that it has consistently met or exceeded expectations. “Our customers are really happy with the Safeway Seagull system,” Darrington remarks. “It’s been delivering at or beyond their expectations, and we hope to continue this strong partnership going forward.”
Future prospects and local production
Even though the fabrication of the Safeway system currently takes place in Dordrecht, looking ahead, there is potential for increasing local production in Taiwan. DFO has already demonstrated a commitment to leveraging local capabilities by fabricating supporting structures locally. This shift towards more local production not only supports the local economy but also offers environmental benefits by reducing transportation emissions and fostering sustainable practices. By integrating more local resources, both Safeway and DFO can enhance their operational efficiency and contribute positively to the community.
Building local expertise
Currently, all the gangway operators on DFO’s vessels are Dutch, leveraging their experience with the Safeway system to ensure high levels of safety and reliability. However, DFO is committed to training Taiwanese crew to operate the system, fostering local expertise and reducing dependency on foreign personnel. This initiative is crucial for building sustainable operations and enhancing local knowledge. “In the next year or so, we’re planning to start a program to train Taiwanese crew on the gangway system,” Darrington says. “It’s important to build local knowledge and train local operators to ensure successful and sustainable operations.”
Conclusion
Our partnership with Dong Fang Offshore shows the power of working together to improve offshore operations. The Safeway Seagull system has proven to be a reliable and effective solution for Taiwan’s challenging offshore conditions. As this partnership continues to grow, it promises to set new standards for innovation, quality, and local expertise in the offshore industry. With a shared vision of excellence and adaptability, Safeway and DFO are ready to make significant advancements in offshore operations in Taiwan and beyond.