Gangways

A gangway allows for the embarking and disembarking of a vessel. In essence, a gangway allows for an individual to get out or into a ship. A gangway is a sloping and smooth ramp. Vessels commonly use gangways to allow crew and passengers to exit or enter the vessel and, less commonly, for the unloading and loading of cargo.

Gangway Types

Gangways in modern operations are split in two conditions. The foldable gangways and built-in gangways.

Modern gangways have many types. Some of the common ones are the following:

Beam Brow Fiberglass: This type of gangway has a name which suggests, correctly, that it is made from fiberglass. These gangways have a 24-foot width, and they are fitted to vessels which operate in naval activities. This gangway incorporates a folding handrail and its surface is not slippery at all.

Beam Brow Aluminum. As the name suggests, they are made from aluminum. They are welded and showcase extreme durability. The surface is built in a way that water cannot be accumulated. In addition, the ramp is not slippery at all and as such, aids in the prevention of accidents. Aluminum gangways can be fitted on all vessels.

Truss Brow Aluminum: These gangways are constructed with heavy aluminum. They comply all the standards of the industry and can be fitted to every vessel. Their surface is rough in order to prevent the ones crossing it from slipping.

Aluminum Gangways: This gangway’s handle rails can be folded in order to better store them. Their surface is non-slippery and rough to prevent accidents. The gangway is, in essence, a ramp, and its design does not allow for water logging.

In addition, there are other gangways, but these ones are typically fitted in harbors and ports. These are the light-duty, the medium-duty and the heavy-duty gangways.

The light-duty gangway is created with steel and aluminum. Its weight is lighter than most and they are typically fitted in residential harbors. The materials that they are consisted of do not allow for any sort of corrosion. In addition, this gangways’ handrails are foldable, allowing for the better storing of the gangway. Due to the above facts, these gangways are cost effective.

Medium duty gangways are also cost effective and their use is typically in residential harbors and private ports. They are built with steel and aluminum; these two materials allow for the ramp to be durable in the long run.

Heavy duty gangways are used in private ports. They serve boats and cruise ferries. They are in compliance with the ISO standards and their design allows for the exit and entrance of handicapped people.

As such, gangways allow for easy entry and exit to the vessels. This is the main factor behind the importance of gangways.