MarinaStep TG Series Installation at Icicle Seafood AK

Safe access between a dock and a fishing vessel is essential when crews work in cold, wet, and constantly changing marine environments. At Icicle Seafoods’ Alaska facility, SafeRack provided a MarinaStep Truss Gangway to support movement between shore and vessels. The MarinaStep TG Series Installation provides a stable, purpose-built access solution for crews working around fishing vessels where weather, tides, and vessel movement can make boarding and debarking more challenging. The project demonstrates how a marine truss gangway can provide dependable access without relying on makeshift ramps or unsuitable walkways. SafeRack’s MarinaStep TG system is designed for marine applications, with features such as non-slip walking surfaces, guardrails, toe boards, and connections that allow the gangway to follow vessel and tide movement. For Icicle Seafoods, the MarinaStep TG Series Installation provided an OSHA-compliant means of access suited to the demanding conditions of an Alaskan marine facility.

What Is MarinaStep TG Series Installation?

MarinaStep TG Series Installation refers to the installation of a MarinaStep Truss Gangway system for marine access between a fixed dock and a vessel. The TG Series uses a rigid truss structure beneath the walking surface to provide a stable walkway while maintaining a relatively lightweight design. This configuration allows the gangway to span longer distances and accommodate the changing relationship between a dock and vessel. For fishing ports and marine facilities, the MarinaStep TG Series Installation can provide access where vessel freeboard, tides, weather, and working conditions vary. The system is designed for boats, ships, and barges and can support repeated embarkation and debarkation in active marine environments.

Icicle Seafoods Project Overview

SafeRack provided a MarinaStep Truss Gangway for Icicle Seafoods at one of its Alaska facilities. The facility operates in an environment where freezing temperatures, wet conditions, tidal changes, and vessel movement can affect worker access between shore and fishing vessels. The MarinaStep TG Series Installation addressed this marine access requirement with a purpose-built gangway engineered for demanding marine conditions. The supplied system provides workers with a stable, OSHA-compliant means of moving between the facility and vessels while accommodating the conditions associated with marine operations.

Why a Purpose-Built Marine Gangway Matters

Marine access points can change as vessels move with tides and working conditions. A fixed or improvised walkway may not provide the same level of controlled access needed for repeated movement between a dock and vessel. A truss gangway is designed specifically to create a structured walkway across this changing gap. The MarinaStep TG Series Installation is particularly relevant to fishing and shipping operations where crews may repeatedly cross between shore and vessels. Non-slip walking surfaces help provide traction in wet or icy conditions, while continuous guardrails and toe boards help protect workers at the edges of the gangway. The system also incorporates pivot and roller connections that allow the gangway to follow vessel and tide movement while maintaining a predictable slope. This makes the gangway suitable for marine environments where the relative position of the vessel and dock can change throughout operations.

Key Features of the MarinaStep TG Series

• Engineered for Fishing Vessels: The MarinaStep TG Series is designed for repeated embarkation and debarkation in working marine environments. The gangways can be used with boats, ships, and barges, making the MarinaStep TG Series Installation applicable to a range of marine access requirements.
• Non-Slip Walking Surface: Marine walkways can become wet or icy, particularly in northern fishing environments. MarinaStep truss gangways can use aggressive tread surfaces, including stamped, bar grating, or curved tread configurations, to provide traction. Walking surfaces can also be configured with cleat or non-cleat options depending on the application.
• Guardrails and Toe Boards: The gangway includes continuous guardrails and toe boards that help address fall hazards along the access route. These features support compliance with OSHA 1918.22 and other relevant requirements applicable to marine operations.
• Multiple Operating Options: MarinaStep TG Series gangways can be operated using different methods depending on the application. Options include manual lifting, an existing crane, counterbalanced springs, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, EZ-Lift Pulley systems, or a winch system.
• Custom Dimensions: The TG Series can be configured to suit different marine access requirements. Models are available in lengths up to 80 feet and widths from 2 feet to 5 feet, with a live load capacity of 750 pounds. These configuration options allow the MarinaStep TG Series Installation to be matched to the access requirements of different docks and vessels.
• Tide-Friendly Movement: Marine gangways must account for changing vessel positions and tides. Pivot and roller connections allow the gangway to follow vessel and tide movement while maintaining a predictable slope during operation.
• Durable Marine Construction: The MarinaStep system uses an aluminum U-body design intended for marine environments. The construction provides long-lasting access while resisting corrosion associated with saltwater spray and de-icing chemicals.

How the MarinaStep TG Series Supports Marine Access

A truss gangway creates a structured connection between a fixed dock and a vessel. Its rigid truss structure supports the walking surface across longer spans, while the gangway’s pivot and roller connections allow it to respond to vessel and tide movement. During a MarinaStep TG Series Installation, the system can be configured around the specific access conditions of the marine facility. Depending on the operating requirements, the gangway may use manual, crane, spring, hydraulic, pneumatic, pulley, or winch operation. The result is a dedicated access route designed around the movement and working conditions found in marine environments.

Applications for MarinaStep TG Series Gangways

The MarinaStep TG Series is suited to marine facilities that require structured access between shore and vessels. Applications supported by the source include:

• Fishing vessel access
• Shipping ports
• Marine terminals
• Access to boats and ships
• Barge access
• Repeated embarkation and debarkation
• Marine facilities exposed to changing tides and weather

For facilities operating in cold or wet regions, the combination of non-slip walking surfaces, guardrails, toe boards, and tide-following movement can address several of the access challenges associated with marine environments.

Icicle Seafoods Installation

The Icicle Seafoods project demonstrates the application of the MarinaStep TG Series in an Alaskan marine environment. SafeRack supplied the Truss Gangway for use at one of the company’s Alaska facilities, where crews work around fishing vessels in freezing and wet conditions. The MarinaStep TG Series Installation provided a purpose-built access system for movement between shore and vessels. Its marine-oriented design, stable walking surface, protective railings, and ability to accommodate vessel and tide movement make it suited to the conditions described in the project. For marine facilities with similar access requirements, SafeRack can configure a MarinaStep Truss Gangway around dock geometry, vessel requirements, and environmental conditions.

What is the MarinaStep TG Series used for?

The MarinaStep TG Series is a marine truss gangway used to provide access between fixed docks and boats, ships, barges, and fishing vessels. It is designed for marine environments where vessel movement and tides can affect access.

What was the purpose of the MarinaStep TG Series Installation at Icicle Seafoods?

SafeRack provided the MarinaStep Truss Gangway for Icicle Seafoods at an Alaska facility. The system provides a stable, OSHA-compliant means of access between shore and vessels in demanding marine conditions.

Can the MarinaStep TG Series accommodate vessel and tide movement?

Yes. Pivot and roller connections allow the gangway to follow vessel and tide movement while maintaining a predictable slope.

What safety features are available with the MarinaStep TG Series?

The system can include non-slip walking surfaces, continuous guardrails, and toe boards. These features help provide traction and edge protection for workers using the gangway.

Can a MarinaStep TG Series Installation be configured for different marine facilities?

Yes. The TG Series is available in different lengths and widths, and various operating methods can be used depending on the application. This allows the gangway to be configured around different marine access requirements.