What is a Passerelle?

Do you know what a Passerelle is? I have tried typing this word on search engines and it yielded different results. Some gave interesting results for the word Passerelle. It turns out that the word “Passerelle” means “gangway or overpass” in the French language.

One search result refers to “The Passerelle” which is a viaduct in Luxembourg City which runs southwards from the center of the city. It is also known as the Luxembourg Viaduct or the Old Bridge.

A bridge in Paris, France is also called “The Passerelle Debilly.” It is an arch bridge or a footbridge situated in Paris bestriding the Seine connecting the quai de New York to the quai Branly, close to the Eiffel Tower.

Another reference to Passerelle is the French local newspaper called “La Passerelle” or Gateway. It is a local newspaper distributed in the area of Planoise, in the city of Besançon, France.

But if you are in the marine industry or you are working with boats and ships then a passerelle will have a completely different meaning.

So what is a passerelle? According to Yahoo Answers, “a passerelle in relation to yachts is usually a hydraulically controlled gangplank that is built into the stern of the yacht. It is completely hidden within the yacht but extends 15-25' when needed, which is typically when the yacht is Med-moored... stern to the dock.”

In layman’s term, it is a movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a boat or a ship. Passerelles or gangways come in various styles and can be made of different materials. Some are made of steel or aluminum but nothing beats the newest passerelles that are manufactured from high quality carbon fiber which are lightweight yet very durable and strong.

I have looked online and I found a company that builds custom crafted passerelle and other accessories for boats and yachts. UMT Marine International specializes in the design and manufacturing of high quality Davits, Chocks, Roller Systems, Cleats and more. You can visit their website and now and you will surely find accessories that will add functionality and beauty to your boats or yachts.