Securing the future of maritime transport: The Solid Sail challenge by Delta Plus

Working on carbon fibre rigs of this scale demands impeccable safety for the technicians and seafarers responsible for maintaining the ladders, tilting masts and spreaders. Working in an environment subject to strong winds, swell and salt spray presents a major engineering challenge.

It is within this context of extreme demands that Delta Plus Systems, a global specialist in personal and collective fall protection solutions, was commissioned to design and install bespoke access and safety restraint systems.

Bespoke fall protection solutions adapted to the marine environment

The technical study carried out by the Delta Plus teams required meticulous adaptation to the aerodynamic shapes and structural constraints of the Solid Sail rigging:

1. Securing vertical access points (masts & ladders):
   To ensure safe and secure ascent along the carbon fibre mast, Delta Plus installed the VERTIRAIL vertical rail lifeline and the VERTILIGNE vertical cable lifeline. This equipment ensures smooth movement and instantly stops any accidental fall during inspection work.
2. Safety measures for the spreader and horizontal areas:
   Movement along the spreader is protected by the ALTILIGNE horizontal cable lifeline. This allows operators to move whilst remaining securely attached at all times, facilitating the monitoring of the sail’s automated closing mechanisms.
3. Protection against marine corrosion:
   The marine environment imposes extreme oxidative stresses. All fasteners, connecting parts and aluminium and stainless steel components have undergone a reinforced surface treatment (high-resistance anodising and powder coating) to guarantee the long-term durability and absolute reliability of the anchorages.