Reflex Marine launched its revolutionary Toro personnel transfer capsule on Jan. 21 in Aberdeen, Scotland at the same time announcing the unit’s first sales. The launch celebration at the Maritime Museum, followed a demonstration at Woollard & Henry, Aberdeen.
Following purchases by Chevron and BG Group, the crew transfer device will soon be operating in the North Sea and North Africa. Enquiries have also been received from operators in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and USA. The Aberdeen launch and demonstration was the first leg of a world tour which will see similar events taking place in key growth areas such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi and Houston.
Following close consultation within the industry, the company set out to develop a low cost transfer device, which maintains high levels of passenger protection and operational performance, established with earlier designs. Ergonomic design principles, more commonly associated with the automotive industry, were applied. This process allowed the unit to be optimized for safety and ride comfort, while providing greater weather capability than any freestanding transfer device.
The Toro can carry up to four passengers, protecting them from side impact and heavy landings and is buoyant and self-righting. The protected body position and seat design allow it to be used without seatbelts (subject to company policy and local legislative requirements) and facilitates fast loading and unloading of personnel. Certified with CE marking and ABS Type Approval, the Toro fits into a standard shipping container.
Philip Strong, Managing Director of Reflex Marine said, “We developed the TORO in response to extensive dialogue with our customers and the project made full use of our 10 years intensive focus in this area and the support of our industry partners.”
(www.reflexmarine.com)