A DEEP-DIVE INTO PALFINGER MARINE’S SLIPWAY SYSTEMS

Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by PALFINGER

PALFINGER MARINE is best known for its pioneering maritime lifting and safety solutions for the offshore, wind, navy and coast guard, aquaculture, oil and gas, merchant, and cruise industries. Our excellent reputation as a supplier to the governmental and defense sector is still somewhat shrouded despite our broad product portfolio expanding into this business field too. Alongside offshore cranes, lifesaving appliances as well as lifting and handling equipment, PALFINGER MARINE is currently the only single-source supplier of Slipway Systems.

We sat down with Torstein Svane, Key Account & Segment Manager for Governmental, Navy & Coast Guard, to talk about the latter’s emergence as a highly interesting segment with huge potential.

PALFINGER MARINE’s friction-based Slipway System technology was first introduced to the market back in 2004. In line with the group’s pioneering approach, it has been further developed and optimized over the years. “We have had the luxury of tapping into more than two decades of operational experience to get our launch and recovery systems to where they stand today,” Torstein explains. He adds: “What makes PALFINGER MARINE so unique in this respect is that we now offer in excess of 15 specific configurations, including Slipway Systems designed for easy retrofitting on existing vessels or other offshore assets. On top of that, we also enable clients to customize systems and mission bay handling solutions depending on their ship design and operational requirements.”

TECHNOLOGY FOR VERSATILITY

PALFINGER MARINE’s Slipway Systems employ a unique wheel drive technology, eliminating the need for lifting and hooking, as well as mechanical connections, painter lines, and arrester wires. The single-operator Slipway System is intuitive to use. It allows staff to become proficient at operating this handling solution in a short period of time. “These features not only increase personnel safety but also operation speed,” Torstein highlights. Another key element is versatility. The system is self-adjusting and capable of handling a wide range of watercrafts up to 40 tons, featuring different hull shapes, propulsion systems, and specs. There’s certainly never a dull moment. Torstein smiles:

Personally, I perceive shipboard launch and recovery solutions as among the most exciting development fields within the marine industry. We, as declared innovators, are incredibly proud to be leading the way.

DEVELOPMENT DRIVEN BY TRENDS

As a true technology pioneer, PALFINGER MARINE tends to identify and shape trends early. One of these trends gaining significant momentum is mission flexibility and multi-mission capability. “That’s where the aforementioned versatility of our solutions comes into play,” Torstein highlights. Elaborating further, he adds: “The increasing use of fast interceptor crafts, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and other mission crafts requires safe, efficient, and reliable launch and recovery systems that are capable of operating in harsh offshore conditions.” Another clear trend involves the reduction of personnel in the hangar area. This plays right into the hands of PALFINGER MARINE’s remote control technology capabilities. The ability to integrate cutting-edge PALFINGER technology allows us to offer tailor-made solutions to meet unique segmental requirements. Whether the watercraft is manned or unmanned, PALFINGER MARINE’s Slipway Systems eliminate most of the typical challenges and risks related to launch and recovery of USVs and mission crafts offshore.

A CHALLENGING FIELD

Compliance with rigorous military design standards and the ability to meet integrated logistic support (ILS) requirements are absolutely essential in the governmental and defense sector. Operational availability is equally important. “Crucial factors in achieving high performance levels in this context include system reliability, maintainability, and logistics,” Torstein says. Especially the latter goes hand in hand with a supplier’s ability to provide lifetime service and support wherever and whenever needed. It is vital to ensure that all provided systems are robust and reliable under extreme conditions. Additionally, built-in system redundancy features allow continuous operation in the event of failure. And last but not least, this sector is just as keen as any other to minimize its ecological impact by using eco-friendly materials and complying with strict environmental standards.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

PALFINGER MARINE is particularly well-equipped to handle the demanding requirements of the governmental and defense segment due to several key organizational strengths. “Our wealth of knowledge and experience in the maritime industry is an excellent calling card. Our highly skilled team of professionals allows us to commit to research and development. This means we are in a unique position to provide customized, advanced technology solutions that comply with military standards,” Torstein insists. PALFINGER’s global presence, not least the extensive network of more than 5,000 sales and service centers in 130+ countries, ensures the provision of timely and efficient customer support. Finally, the group’s impressive track record of delivering high-quality solutions for complex governmental and defense projects speaks for itself.

COLLABORATION = EXCELLENCE

PALFINGER MARINE fosters a corporate culture that encourages collaboration. Our approach to the governmental and defense sector is no different. Throughout a vessel concept design phase, we collaborate closely with both vessel operators and naval architects. This ensures that the resulting solutions are not only technically sound but also aligned with the operational goals and constraints of all stakeholders. When required, we also leverage our group’s state-of-the-art technology and engineering expertise to conduct exhaustive feasibility studies. They form the basis for the assessment of technical and economic viability, which can be essential to identify potential challenges and opportunities early. “Our deep understanding of specific requirements and standards allows us to customize our solutions to give our customers a competitive operational edge,” Torstein explains.

In short, combining all these capabilities helps PALFINGER MARINE understand future customer demands and future-proof respective vessel designs. The result: efficient, safe, performance-centered Slipway Systems that pave the way for the future of boat and material handling offshore. Stay tuned for what’s to come!