Introduction
One of the fastest growing and most profitable industries is the offshore access business. The companies in this industry enable their clients to transfer personnel on sea. Usually the employees have to be transported from a vessel to an offshore oil platform. There are various ways in which this can be done, for example the helicopter, the jack-up platform, Windcat Workboat and the differentiated offshore access system. However, it might be quite hard to enter the market the industry supplies to and to gain market share, so the purpose of this article is to provide some basic advice for start-ups in this industry.
Which method
It is very important which method you are going to choose to transfer personnel offshore. Each method has its pros and cons. Some are very expensive and others lack in safety.
The helicopter
The helicopter was the first offshore access solution to be used for moving people to an offshore oil platform and vice versa. The helicopter is still the most used method in the industry. However, the helicopter is also a bit outdated for the purpose of offshore access operations. It is also relatively unsafe: Many accidents have happened in the past, leading to injured personnel or even casualties. For clients of this industry, offshore safety is priority number one, so accidents could lead to severe reputation damage and could even put the company in question out of business.
Jack-up platform
The jack-up platform is some sort of platform on three or four legs that enables the transport of personnel offshore. The jack-up platform is the most expensive option for both the operating company and the client, but it has to be noted that it is one of the safest methods. The jack-up platform is not used very much in this industry.
Windcat Workboats
A Windcat Workboat is a vessel that is used solely for the purpose of offshore access. It navigates directly to an offshore platform, and goes full throttle in order to stick to it. Then, the personnel can safely cross. This method of providing offshore access is especially popular in the offshore wind sector.
The differentiated offshore access system
The offshore access system (OAS) is one of the latest innovations in the industry. It is a machine with six legs that are able to compensate wave motions. Another component of the machine is a gangway that is used to connect to the platform and to let employees safely cross. With the differentiated system, offshore access truly becomes as easy as crossing the street.
The market
In order to truly succeed in this industry you will have to build strong relationships with clients. Clients generally consist of big companies like Shell, Total, Wintershall and Origin Energy. It is recommended to focus on the offshore wind market segment, because this market part is relatively open and furthermore, the market is growing in a rapid speed, so market share can be easily gained.
The other part of the market: The offshore oil & gas sector is very conservative. However, it is also one of the most lucrative offshore employers. You will need a strong network and a good marketing department in order to get a foot in the door here. However, if you succeed, you can reap huge profits.