Asset & Bay Survey
Geometry of the dock, loading bay and asset profile dictates the gangway design. We start with on-site dimensions and clearance constraints before drafting.
CUSTOM ACCESS SOLUTIONS
Custom Gangway Solutions
Custom gangway access for tanker, rail, marine and industrial loading bays, engineered to the geometry of the asset and the workflow around it.
Custom Gangway Engineering
Loading bay access
Loading bay access
engineered to the asset.
Custom gangway access platforms designed to span the gap between dock, loading bay or maintenance platform and the asset being serviced, tankers, rail cars, marine vessels, road transport and industrial machinery. Each gangway is engineered to the exact geometry of the asset and the surrounding workflow.
High-grade marine aluminium chosen for corrosion resistance and structural reliability across humid, salt-exposed and chemically active environments. Integrated guardrails, anti-slip deck, articulating connection points and stable counterweights as standard. Pivot, fixed-position and self-adjusting configurations available.
From single-bay installations to multi-vessel terminal rollouts, our in-house team handles the full engineering chain, concept, drawings, fabrication, compliance documentation and on-site installation support. Lifetime Structural Warranty on every build.
How We Build Your Gangway
Five steps from asset survey to commissioning.
Articulation & Pivot Design
Choose between fixed, pivot and counterweight-balanced articulating designs. Selection depends on asset variability, tidal range, vehicle suspension and operator load profile.
Engineered Drawings
Detailed drawings issued with load calculations, materials specification and compliance references documented for your project files.
Marine-Grade Fabrication
Fabrication in our Carrum Downs, VIC facility using marine-grade aluminium and structural-grade steel for any anchor points. ISO 9001:2015 certified throughout.
Delivery & Commissioning
Custom gangways delivered ready for installation. Commissioning support, operator training and compliance plate handover included on every build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of loading applications use custom gangway systems?
Custom gangways are used at tanker loading and unloading bays, rail car maintenance and loading facilities, marine vessel access points, road transport loading docks and industrial machinery access points where a fixed access point needs to span a variable gap between platform and asset.
What is the difference between a fixed and articulating gangway?
A fixed gangway is designed for a fixed span and load point that does not vary between operations. An articulating gangway uses a pivot or counterweight mechanism to adjust to asset variability, tanker heights, vessel positions, rail car stops, without manual reconfiguration. Selection depends on how much the asset position varies between each access cycle.
Why is marine-grade aluminium used for gangway fabrication?
Marine-grade aluminium provides superior corrosion resistance in environments exposed to salt spray, chemical residues, fuel vapour and moisture. This is critical in tanker loading and marine access environments where steel alternatives corrode and require ongoing maintenance. The structural properties are maintained without surface treatment over the product life.
Can a custom gangway be designed for both rail and road transport access at the same site?
Yes. Multi-modal loading facilities can be configured with gangway systems that cover both rail car and road tanker access, using different pivot and connection geometry for each mode. Each access point is designed separately within the same project brief. Contact Star Aluminium with your multi-modal site requirements to discuss the appropriate configuration.
What documentation is provided with a custom gangway?
Every custom gangway ships with engineering drawings, load calculations, compliance documentation referencing applicable Australian Standards, a compliance plate and a Lifetime Structural Warranty. Commissioning support and operator training are included on every build.