Gatemaster Offshore launches the FOHO hatch system
In offshore wind turbines, safety isn’t a bonus—it’s a necessity. Technicians working in tough isolated environments face a range of hazards daily, from high winds and wet surfaces to fatigue and confined spaces. One of the most overlooked yet critical risks lies in the vertical access hatches used to navigate between platforms inside the turbine towers.
These internal hatches are essential, especially where ladders run through the structure. However traditional hatch systems have often failed to meet the high safety standards required in offshore wind. Slamming hatches, unreliable pulley systems, awkward manual openings—each of these introduces risk in an environment where the margin for error is already razor thin.
Recognising the urgent need for a safer and more reliable solution, Gatemaster Offshore set out to re-engineer the internal hatch system from the ground up. The result is the FOHO (Foot Operated Hatch Opener). This Internal Hatch is a purpose-built product designed to eliminate known issues, simplify operation, and support safer access inside offshore turbines and other scenarios where hatches are required with ladder access.
FOHO Key Features
- Ensures controlled, smooth closure
- Allows users to maintain three points of contact on the ladder for increased safety
- One-piece drop-in unit—simply position and screw in place with our patent-pending mechanism
- Tested to over 10,000 openings for long-term reliability
A solution born from real-world feedback
After hearing repeated feedback from offshore engineers, safety professionals and maintenance technicians, a clear pattern emerged: existing internal hatch solutions weren’t up to the task.
Technicians working at height, often fatigued and exposed to unpredictable conditions, need equipment that makes their job safer, not harder. But traditional hatch systems often featured pulley and weight mechanisms prone to failure, uncontrolled slamming, and awkward manual operation—all serious safety risks in already demanding environments.
That’s where we saw an opportunity to use our knowledge and experience in designing access hardware to create a better solution that had a real impact.
Engineered for safer ladder access
The FOHO hatch was designed to solve these safety and reliability challenges. It’s a self-closing, foot-operated access hatch built for safe, consistent operation—tested for over 10,000 cycles, exceeding the expected lifespan of a wind turbine.
Why foot operation? It’s all about safety. By allowing the hatch to be opened with the foot, technicians can maintain three points of contact at all times while climbing—keeping hands free for stability. It’s a subtle shift that significantly reduces risk during day-to-day operations.
A standardised but adaptable solution
One-piece drop-in unit—simply position and screw in place with our patent-pending clamping mechanism. This intuitive design means no fiddly alignments, no awkward under-platform work, and no need for additional subframes.
Just lift it into place, clamp down securely, and you’re ready to go.
It’s a game-changer for both installation speed and future maintenance, especially in environments where access is tight and time on-site is limited.
The new hatch solution is available in multiple sizes to suit different platform layouts and can be adapted to meet specific design requirements. It’s a standardised solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, and can be easily maintained, upgraded, or replaced over time.
Beyond wind turbines
Although designed with offshore wind turbines in mind, the Hatch offers benefits well beyond this sector. Whether it’s energy, utilities, water treatment plants, or industrial platforms requiring vertical access, the same principles apply—safety, durability, and ease of use.
Its rugged build and reliable function make it a smart solution for any environment where operators need safe, hands-free access through floor hatches, especially when ladders or restricted movement are involved.
A commitment to real-world safety
The FOHO is more than just a new product—it’s a result of our ongoing commitment to real-world safety, collaborative development, and smart engineering.
We’re proud to bring this innovation to market and support engineers and technicians working in some of the world’s most demanding conditions.
Want to learn more?
Get in touch with our team or visit the product page to see how our Foot Operated Hatch Opener can fit into your next project.