Ya just have to teach a cruise ship captain to back in between two bollards 

 

By PHIL REIMER, The Gazette February 11, 2012    Every new major invention that comes along is viewed with some skepticism in this space until it is proven. That was true with all the hype surrounding Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world at that time.

 

Did the ship match the hype? In that case, it did.

 

Usually technology is not the mandate of Ports and Bows. The column is designed to keep you informed about ports to visit, unique cruises, new ships, pricing, ships designed for all demographics . well, you get the idea.

 

Every once in a while, something unique comes along.

 

For example, the "something unique" in this column - if it's successful and if the item I'm about to describe can do what inventors claim it can do - could eliminate a lot of tendering.

 

It could also open up newer ports for less than 50 per cent of what is currently being spent on port infrastructure, and could be ready to go in nine months, rather than two years.

 

This invention is called SeaWalk. This portable walkway reaches out to a ship, like a gangway to a plane, only on water.

 

The ship backs into port, is attached at the bow to a fixed buoy, and is locked onto two bollards at the stern. SeaWalk then expands across the water, from shore to the nearest passenger exit, and is secured in short order, with space for passengers to walk to and from the ship throughout the day - with little or no environmental impact.

 

That last promise comes from Phil Crannell, President of Ports and Maritime Group International, and the man who will be selling it in North and South America.

 

According to him, "It's so innovative in moving passengers that I liken it to the first moving gangways that entered service in the port of Los Angeles in the '60s. The technology is suitable only for ports that have a protected ingress, and adequate water depth for a ship to come close to shore."

 

The team that invented SeaWalk is Asbjorn Nes, a partner in Cruise Ventures, along with Ole Heggheim and Arthur Kordt of European Cruise Service. The naval architect is Kai Levander.

 

Although they have no financial interest in the company, Carnival Corp. has shown interest in Sea-Walk.

 

Carnival Corp.'s Giora Israel saw the potential for SeaWalk and is making experts from his company's operations and nautical teams available to offer advice on its development.

 

If SeaWalk can be moved quickly in stormy weather, Carnival believes the invention has possibilities at ports in countries around the world.

 

After months of testing, the first unit will be going into the water this spring, and the first ship will be trying it out in August in Skjolden, Norway. That city is located in northern Norway and is that country's innermost port at the head of the longest navigable fjord, called Sognefjoren.

 

With the first ship expected to make official use of SeaWalk in August, that's when we will start to find out how paying passengers feel about using it to come and go during their day in port.

 

Visit portsandbows.com for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Phil can be contacted directly at portsandbows@gmail. com

 

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