We asked and you voted.
After revealing Vroon’s new ‘walk to work’ concept, Energy Voice asked: ‘Would you prefer using a walk to work vessel over a helicopter?’
The majority of the participants said they rather ‘walk to work’ than ride in a helicopter.
A total of 47% of the respondents said they preferred the marine transfer option.
But the divide was narrow.
A further 41% said ‘no’, they wouldn’t prefer the ‘walk to work’ scheme over climbing into a helicopter. The remaining 12% said they were still unsure.
The Dutch firm’s vessel could transfer up to 60 offshore workers at a time.
The 80m concept vessel would offer hotel-style accommodation. The vessel is currently being built with the aim of deploying it on oil and gas projects by 2016.
This year helicopter safety has been at the top of the industry’s agenda. The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) most recent report solicited industry-wide reaction.
Measures in the CAA report include the reconfiguration of seating arrangements – which would mean passengers would only be able to fly if they were seated next to an emergency window exit. As of April first next year, oil workers who cannot fit through the emergency window while wearing a survival suit will not be allowed to board helicopters.
The offshore workforce recently gathered to discuss the report’s implications on helicopter safety. For full coverage and analysis of the Step Change in Safety event pick up the PJ Energy Supplement on Monday, May 5.