Wagenborg Celebrates 10 Years of Walk to Work Operations in the North Sea

KROONBORG was designed, developed, and constructed at Royal Niestern Sander shipyard, a 100% subsidiary of Wagenborg, located in the North of the Netherlands. Over 18 months, approximately 80 employees collaborated on the vessel's construction, with around 10 regional subcontractors and suppliers contributing to engineering, steel supply, and various equipment needs. This indirect employment is estimated to amount to 250 man-years.

The walk to work concept integrates multiple functionalities for the first time. KROONBORG accommodates 20 crew members and provides space for two shifts of up to 40 service and maintenance workers. It features a motion-compensation Ampelmann gangway, allowing safe transfers to platforms in wave conditions up to 3.5 meters. Additionally, KROONBORG is equipped with a motion-compensating crane capable of bunkering, transporting, and transferring chemicals, as well as restarting production wells. The vessel's Voigt Schneider bow and stern thrusters enhance its dynamic positioning capabilities.

The introduction of KROONBORG significantly increased operational days and enabled the servicing of multiple platforms on a single route. This efficient approach reduced helicopter usage, minimizing environmental impact and cutting costs. Edwin de Vries, director of Wagenborg Offshore, stated, “The KROONBORG truly changed the industry and paved the way for a new approach to offshore maintenance. Just two years later, we introduced KASTEELBORG, a converted PSV vessel, which attracted interest from several energy majors. KEIZERSBORG, KOENINGSBORG, and KINGSBORG followed, completing our current walk to work fleet.”

The success of KROONBORG is rooted in the Wagenborg ethos, emphasizing safety, innovation, and collaboration. Safety is a core value that empowers every employee to prioritize well-being. Wagenborg’s customer-centric approach fosters strong client relationships, enabling tailored services that meet unique needs. Open communication and flexibility build trust, essential in the competitive maritime sector.

Innovation is encouraged throughout the organization, motivating employees to develop creative solutions that enhance efficiency. This collaborative spirit allows challenges to be addressed collectively, strengthening operational capabilities.

In summary, KROONBORG symbolizes not only advanced shipbuilding and engineering but also a commitment to values—safety, innovation, and collaboration—that drive success, making Wagenborg a trusted partner in shaping the future of the offshore industry.