Gangway Walkway Installation on DFDS Vessel

Project Overview

3SC Group Scaffolding was appointed by a mechanical services contractor to design and install a specialist gangway walkway on board a DFDS vessel. The purpose of the scaffold walkway was to create safe access across the rear of the ship while mechanical works were carried out.

Because access on board was limited and the vessel was working to a strict sailing deadline, the project had to be completed within a very tight timeframe without disrupting the ship’s schedule.

Client: Mechanical Services Contractor
Vessel: DFDS Ship
Project Type: Marine and Industrial Scaffolding
Works: Gangway Walkway and Access Platform
Location: Dockside Marine Environment

The Challenge

This project involved a number of technical and logistical challenges that required careful planning from the outset. The rear of the vessel offered a restricted working area, which made traditional scaffold erection more difficult. The available window for installation was also extremely limited, as all works had to be completed before the vessel’s departure.

At the same time, the access solution had to provide mechanical engineers with a safe, stable, and practical route across the vessel so they could carry out their work efficiently. The marine environment added another layer of complexity, as it demanded specialist experience, close coordination, and strict health and safety control throughout the job.

Key challenges included:

Restricted working space at the rear of the vessel
Limited time before the ship’s scheduled departure
Complex access requirements for mechanical engineers
Need for a secure and stable walkway system
Marine working conditions requiring specialist knowledge
Coordination between scaffolders, crane operators, and engineers

Installing the scaffold directly on board was not the most practical solution due to time pressures and deck space limitations.

Our Solution

To overcome these challenges, 3SC Group Scaffolding designed and built the gangway walkway structure on land before craning it into position and securing it onto the vessel. This method allowed our team to reduce installation time significantly while also limiting disruption to the client’s programme.

By prefabricating the scaffold system off the vessel, we were able to improve efficiency, maintain better control over the build process, and minimise the amount of time needed on board. Once completed on land, the structure was carefully lifted into place using a crane and secured in line with the project requirements.

This approach provided the client with a practical access solution that was delivered quickly, safely, and with minimal downtime.

Specialist Services Delivered

Marine scaffolding design
Prefabrication of scaffold system on land
Crane-lift installation onto vessel
Gangway and walkway installation
Secure fixing and load checks
Rapid installation programme
Full RAMS documentation supplied

Our experienced marine scaffolding team worked closely with the crane operators and other contractors involved to ensure the walkway was installed safely and efficiently.

Health and Safety Measures

Health and safety remained a top priority throughout the project. Marine scaffolding work demands a disciplined approach, especially where crane operations, restricted access, and multiple contractors are involved.

To ensure the works were completed safely, 3SC Group Scaffolding put the following measures in place:

Full risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
Toolbox talks before installation
Contractor coordination and lift planning
Strict exclusion zones during crane operations
Safe access procedures once the structure was installed
Final inspections before handover

The project was completed with zero incidents and no safety concerns.

The Result

The gangway walkway was installed successfully within the required timeframe, allowing the mechanical engineers to carry out their works safely and without interruption. The project was completed in line with the vessel’s schedule, which meant there was no impact on departure time.

Outcome

Safe access provided across the rear of the ship
No impact on the vessel’s departure schedule
Mechanical works carried out without delay
Full client satisfaction
Safe, secure, and compliant installation

Client Feedback

“3SC Group Scaffolding delivered a well-planned and professionally executed access solution under extreme time pressure. The gangway installation was completed safely and on schedule. Excellent service.”

Continued Partnership

Following the success of this project, 3SC Group Scaffolding continues to work closely with this mechanical services contractor on further marine projects.