Frog Personnel Capsule Used in Offshore Applications

August 18, 2004 - Lifting personnel in offshore applications has its own unique variables-especially in emergency situations. When it is necessary to transfer workers from offshore platforms to a marine vessel, oil and gas companies like Conoco, ExxonMobile, and Shell have relied on a device called the FrogT Marine Personnel Transfer Capsule. 

The Frog capsule, which is hoisted by crane, features a tetrahedral-shaped stainless steel frame designed to protect occupants from impact. The inner spring-dampened seating assembly is mounted on a central column. Inside, passengers are secured in bucket seats with harnesses designed to protect them from falling, whiplash, and lateral and vertical impact. When necessary, the capsule can be modified to accommodate personnel on stretchers. During engineering analysis, the Frog withstood drop tests simulating a 4 m/s landing and horizontal impact tests up to 2 m/s impact.

Anti-skid landing feet also provide extra shock protection. A low center of gravity and tri-pod style base is helpful when landing on a heaving vessel or on uneven surfaces. The Frog also floats and can upright itself if submerged.

About 150 Frogs, which are built by Reflex Marine Ltd., are in use worldwide. For more information, go to www.reflexmarine.com .