Modalinta
The Challenge
Most of the world’s cargo vessels still rely on traditional accommodation ladders and gangway nets for ship access. While familiar, these systems present significant safety and operational issues.
During deployment, crew are often exposed to an unnetted ladder, creating a real fall risk at a critical moment. Once in place, the effectiveness of the net depends heavily on correct setup and good maintenance—both of which vary widely between vessels and ports. Even when correctly deployed, traditional nets offer limited protection against falls, particularly for personnel carrying shoulder‑mounted equipment such as lashing poles.
Deployment is also slow and resource‑intensive. It typically requires three to six crew members and can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. This prolongs port stays, introduces uncertainty for terminals and labour providers, and places crews under time pressure during arrival and departure—often leading to rushed and unsafe behaviours, including working outside safety rails.
These risks are not the result of poor intent, but of outdated design. An engineered solution was needed to address the problem at its source.
The Innovation
Saf.AXS is a newly patented gangway net system and deployment method that fundamentally rethinks how vessel access safety is provided.
The system ensures that crew are never exposed to an unnetted ladder, even during deployment. Once in place, it provides effective fall prevention, including for personnel carrying equipment on their shoulders. A secondary rail (“Ausleger”) sits above the handrail, physically preventing accidental falls over the vessel’s side.
Saf.AXS reduces deployment time to approximately two to three minutes and eliminates most manual handling. The system is maintenance‑free in normal use and can be safely repaired if damaged. Beyond safety, it improves housekeeping and the visual presentation of the vessel, sending a clear message about professionalism and safety standards.
The system is designed for retrofit to most existing vessels during a normal port stay and will also be offered for newbuilds.
How It Was Implemented
The Saf.AXS system was initially developed in a Sydney workshop, with significant support from Professor Mah and a cross‑disciplinary team of engineering students from OPTIK at the University of Technology Sydney. Development involved extensive mock‑ups, test pieces and iterative refinement.
Vessel operators and container terminals provided valuable input through site visits and feedback sessions. Published safety requirements were rigorously reviewed, and regulators in multiple jurisdictions were consulted to ensure alignment with prevailing standards.
What Was the Result
The system enables a fully operational safety net within three minutes of ladder deployment. The process is largely preset, removing reliance on individuals “working out” how to rig the net correctly under pressure.
Operational modelling with a partner shipping line shows strong commercial benefits. For a 1,700‑TEU vessel calling at port four times per week, time savings translate into estimated fuel savings of approximately US$250,000 per year through slow‑steaming. In time‑constrained ports, additional benefits can be achieved by loading more cargo in the same window—up to 90 extra containers per call with three cranes operating.
Production sea trials are planned in Australasia with a major vessel operator. Extensive feedback from seafarers has been incorporated, and the system is scheduled for formal launch at TOC next year.
Conclusion
Gangway netting is so common that it is rarely challenge “just the way things are done.” Previous attempts to improve the system have often added complexity, slowed operations or introduced new failure points.
Saf.AXS delivers a genuine step‑change. Backed by multiple patents, it offers rapid return on investment, improved safety, reduced crew stress during critical port moments, clearer labour scheduling for terminals, and a more professional vessel appearance.
By addressing safety through engineering rather than procedure, Saf.AXS demonstrates how a simple, well‑designed solution can transform a long‑standing industry risk.
- Date
- 25/08/2026
