Increased operational efficiencies

Ampelmann has enhanced its existing E1000 gangway transfer system to speed up conversion of its gangway from personnel to cargo mode from at least ten minutes to less than one minute, providing greater operational efficiencies.

The innovative and adaptable E1000 motion compensated access system is 30 metres in length and is capable of safely transferring people and up to 1000 kilograms of cargo in rough sea states in wave heights up to 4.5 metres.

The enhanced, automated system now employs remote-controlled hydraulic pin pushers to fixate the gangway booms in less than one minute with a single button. To switch from cargo to personnel transfer mode, the crane hoisting cable is placed in a freewheel mode to allow the booms to telescope, significantly increasing the available working time. Pins were previously manually deployed and the entire conversion process took at least ten minutes to complete.

A total of four E1000 systems are currently being deployed, of which one by Siem Offshore Contractors on its vessels for inspection, maintenance and repair works on Germany’s first commercial offshore windfarm.