Ampelmann has launched an improved version of its A-type system for transferring people and cargo in the offshore wind industry.
Available to view at the Offshore Wind Energy Conference in London, the A400 has been redesigned in conjunction with operators to include greater capacity for equipment transportation between vessels and wind turbines. Widened gangways support the use of trolleys that can carry up to 400kg of cargo on Euro-sized industry standard pallets, the company said.
In addition, the system can transfer multiple personnel at a time and includes an elevator to support ‘no-step’ policies.
The capacity for transferring pallets via the gangway system alleviates the need for operators to install platform cranes.
”Providing a full system that includes a gangway capable of transporting a pallet, a trolley and elevator is something we believe will be of great benefit to the offshore wind sector,” Friso Talsma, Ampelmann’s Sales and Business Development Manager for Offshore Wind, said.
“We have received a great deal of interest in the system and we would like to invite visitors at Offshore Wind Energy to drop by and see the system. Our staff will be on hand to discuss potential applications and ways it could work for their projects.”
At 120cm in width, the new A400 gangway is double the width of earlier versions, has full motion compensation and the no movement gangway operates in a sea state of up to 3 metres, Ampelmann said.
A single operator is required to use the system and all cargo and personnel can be transferred using the elevator.
The accompanying Cargo400 electric trolley transports equipment weighing up to 400kg between the vessel and offshore structure. The system can be maneuvered by one person, is speed adjustable and includes an auto-brake.