passerelle

Passerelle is a term of French origin used to denote a small bridge or walkway designed to allow passage over a gap. In English, it is often used to describe a lightweight or specialized bridge, typically a footbridge or gangway, whose primary purpose is safe passage rather than heavy structural loads.

In maritime contexts, a passerelle is the gangway or passage that connects a vessel to the quay or to another ship. It may be fixed or retractable and is usually mounted on the ship’s deck or on the pier. Passerelles are operated by hydraulic or electric systems and are equipped with guard rails to enable boarding and disembarkation of passengers and crew. On cruise ships, the passerelle is a characteristic feature that can extend for embarkation or retract when not in use. Safety regulations govern its design and use.

Architectural and urban usage describes passerelles as pedestrian bridges spanning streets, courtyards, canals, or other spaces. These bridges are often slender, sometimes decorative, and intended to facilitate pedestrian flow while integrating with surrounding architecture. In urban design, passerelles may connect buildings or levels within public spaces, improving circulation and accessibility.

The term also appears in theatre and stage design to refer to elevated walkways or catwalks used by performers or crew. In various languages, passerelle retains the sense of a connecting passage, spanning gaps between platforms, levels, or vessels.

See also: footbridge, gangway, catwalk.