Motala chain-operated modular elevators from macgregor are proving themselves to be highly successful in the latest generations of aluminium fast ferries, and also in specialist newbuilding and retrofit applications on board conventional ferries. They can be fitted and commissioned within a matter of days, and are ideally suited for installations where space is limited, or where the stand-alone design – independent of the ship’s structure – has installation and operational advantages.

Compared with conventional elevator types, the limitations of the Motala design are its operating speed of 0.3m/sec, and a maximum traveling height of 14m. But its advantages are low weight (about an 80 per cent saving compared with a conventional elevator’s weight), minimal space requirement, and proven reliability. The elevator comprises a very simple but rigid car support frame running in a pair of vertically mounted tracks. These tracks can be self-supporting or flexibly mounted within the ship’s structure. Such arrangement is ideal for fast ferries constructed from aluminium. The structure of such craft tends to be less rigid than equivalent steel vessels, and therefore the stand-alone elevator unit is tolerant of ship structural movements. The elevator mechanism is minimal, and all components are constructed of lightweight material wherever practicable to keep weight to a minimum.

The Motala elevator provides solution for cruise ships and ferry applications where insufficient space prevents fitting of either an overhead machinery space for operation of a conventional wire-pull elevator, or a power pack for an hydraulically operated elevator. Elevators are supplied as a kit comprising tailor-made parts that can be installed in the minimum of time without crane assistance. The installation process can be completed without any need for welding, and the frame can be bolted in position.