A Dutch offshore access provider has sold its first W-type gangway system to an offshore shipping company
The new Ampelmann system which has been sold to Olympic Offshore Wind AS marks an important turning point in the company’s commitment to the renewable energy sector.
“We are a global company and as such, it always excites us to broaden our horizon and bring together our experience as an offshore access provider to focus on what we consider to be new and exciting markets,” said Cinthia Mijares, business developer at Ampelmann.
“SOVs have become crucially important in the global renewable energy infrastructure and we want to contribute to the safety and efficiency of operations there.”
Tailor-made safety
The system will be permanently installed on the Olympic Orion in early 2023 when the vessel will complete its conversion from a Multi-Purpose Support Vessel (MPSV) into an Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV).
Ampelmann’s W-type system that satisfies a growing demand for safe, efficient and sustainable access solutions in the renewable energy market.
Tailor made to individual vessels, the new system is electric, height adjustable and contains a lift and crane that can carry cargo and personnel. As it can compensate for vessel motions in sea states up to 3.5Hs, it can help increase the efficiency of maintenance operations on windfarms.
Alongside the new system, Ampelmann will provide operator training and 24/7 essential support through the company’s Operation Control Centre (OCC).
Until the W-type can be installed on the Olympic Orion, an E1000 has been temporarily fitted to the vessel so that it can continue its operations in the North Sea as a highly efficient ’Walk to Work’ vessel.
“We are pleased to continue our long-standing working relationship with Ampelmann. Olympic was one of the early movers in the offshore wind market and has been working more or less continuously on offshore wind projects for the last ten years,” said Marius Bergseth, COO Olympic.
During this time, we have safely completed well over 200,000 personnel transfers via gangways without any incidents, and we look forward to continuing to expand our offerings to clients in this market going forward with the W-type onboard the Olympic Orion.”
