FOHO logo
Foot Operated Hatch Opener

Our self-closing internal hatch is engineered for safer ladder access

Engineered for safety. Designed for ease of use. Built for durability.

Developed in collaboration with industry engineers and technicians, FOHO (Foot Operated Hatch Opener) is our patent pending standardised, high-performance hatch designed for access ladders inside offshore wind turbines.
Tested to over 10,000 openings—exceeding a wind turbine’s operational lifespan—this hatch eliminates common issues with traditional self-closing hatch options such as pulley-and-weight systems, ensuring a safer, more reliable, and lower maintenance alternative.

Solving Offshore Industry Challenges

We listened to the professionals who interact with these hatches every day. By integrating real-world feedback, we’ve created a solution that enhances safety, reliability, and ease of use—helping engineers, designers, and fabricators simplify operations in offshore wind turbines.

Traditional internal hatch solutions often rely on pulley-and-weight systems that stretch, require frequent maintenance, and are difficult to install. Our FOHO hatch eliminates these issues with a durable, self-contained mechanism that ensures long-term performance without constant adjustments.

FOHO (Foot Operated Hatch Opener) – Hatch Features

Self-Closing for Safety

  • Ensures controlled, smooth closure—no more slamming or uncontrolled movement.
  • Designed to smoothly close within a set time to ensure operators can pass through, enhancing safety.

Foot-Operated for Hands-Free Use

  • FOHO allows users to maintain three points of contact on the ladder for increased safety.
  • Ensures greater control and ease of use, as pushing with the foot requires less effort than lifting by hand.

Effortless Installation & Maintenance

  • One-piece drop-in unit—simply position and screw in place with our patent-pending clamping mechanism.
  • Minimal maintenance and easy-to-replace dampers.
  • Tested to over 10,000 openings for long-term reliability

Built to Withstand Extreme Environments

  • Aluminium hatch with stainless steel components for superior corrosion resistance.
  • Isolated materials prevent galvanic corrosion.
  • Duplex steel option available for external applications

Versatile Hatch Access for Multiple Industries Beyond Offshore Wind

While designed with offshore wind turbines in mind, the FOHO hatch is also well-suited for a variety of other industries where controlled, hands-free access is essential. From industrial plants and power stations to large infrastructure projects and high-rise construction, this robust and reliable hatch ensures safe and efficient movement between levels.
Its durable, corrosion-resistant materials make it ideal for harsh environments, while the self-closing mechanism and foot-operated design enhance safety in any setting where ladder access is required. Whether used in renewable energy, heavy industry, or critical infrastructure, the hatch provides a standardised, low-maintenance solution that improves both worker safety and operational efficiency.

Schedule a virtual product demo

Join our product walk-through in a live webinar, where you can see demonstrations of the FOHO in operation and its features.

Looking to find out more? We’d love to hear from you!

Beatrice Wind Farm Turbines
Get In Touch

For sales and support

info@gatemasteroffshore.com

+44 (0)1243 558580