What is a Gangway?

A gangway is a narrow walkway or platform that provides safe access to a ship, truck, or train.

Gangways are typically used for two purposes: to allow passage or people and/or cargo to/from docks, moored marine vessels, or aircraft, or in the maintenance and loading/unloading of land-based trucks and trains. The models used for ships or boats are typically long so that they dont slip off platforms or provide unsafe crossing for personnel walking on them and terms like tower, truss, or telescoping are added to better describe how and where the marine loading platforms are used. They can also be referred to as accommodation ladder and the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and other government agencies refer to these platforms as brows. The types of gangways used for loading/unloading trucks or railcars are typically shorter in length, and span gap from vehicle to a platform, giving workers and personnel access to load, unload or inspect the vehicle. They also may include additional safety or technical features to assist workers.

Aviation gangways, also called jet bridges, airstairs, or boarding ramps, are generally used to allow passengers to board and deplane aircraft, and come in mobile varieties, as well as tunnel-like versions that connect to terminals.

What is a berthing aid system, and what does it do?

Berthing is one of the maneuvers with the highest risk of accidents in a ships routine. While it is true that there are mechanisms, such as fenders, to prevent damages caused from collisions while berthing, when we speak of large-volume ships or ships with sensitive cargo, fenders may not be enough.

Every year, logistics companies and ports invest large amounts in the repair of ships and facilities as a result of direct blows against the dock. What is more, these accidents can cause spillage, with a huge environmental and economic cost. Over the past few years, this reality has led to great innovations in berthing aid systems.

A BAS (Berthing Aid System) is a real-time information system that provides for safe navigation and efficient transport. As its name would indicate, it helps while berthing, reducing human error. Thanks to the real-time data it provides pilots and land crew, the operation is improved.

Some noteworthy advantages of using a berthing aid system are:

Reduced operational costs and damages to the dock, fenders and ships.

Increased safety control and protection over surroundings.

Real-time monitoring, data register, reports, reproductions and records.

Smart analysis of the multiple variables involved in berthing.

This is an IT system with a network architecture of integrated equipment and communication interfaces. The BAS system may have one control station, or several, including portable devices to control the different modules.Berthing aid system functions