Ampelmann

Ampelmann technology 

The Ampelmann is a ship-based, self stabilizing offshore access system that provides safe, easy and fast access to offshore structures by actively compensating the wave-induced motions of the vessel. This innovative system uses the unique combination of flight simulator technology with the latest development in real-time motion measurement equipment.

Relative motions between the vessel and the offshore structure make marine transfer of personnel difficult or even impossible as wave heights increase. The Ampelmann solves this problem by constantly compensating all ship-motions providing safe, easy and fast marine personnel transfer from any vessel to any offshore structure.

When installing the Ampelmann on a 50m multi-purpose vessel, a significant wave height up to 2.5m can be safely managed (Hmax=4.5m). This increases the accessibility of offshore structures in the southern part of the North Sea from 75% up to 93%. Mounting the Ampelmann at the stern of a 70m supply vessel, the workability can even be increased up to 97%. In this case, the Ampelmann can be used up to Hs=3.0m.

Anchor handler 25m, Hs = 2.0m, 85% Multi purpose vessel 50m, Hs = 2.5m, 93% Offshore supplier 70m, Hs = 3.0m, 97%

Vessel size influences the Ampelmann window of operation

Motion System

The basic idea is plain and simple: to take away the movements of the vessel, the Ampelmann is designed as an inverse flight simulator on top of a vessel that compensates all the wave-induced motions of the vessel in all 6 degrees of freedom (6-DOF) by individually actuating each of its six cylinders. Not only vertical and rotational but also horizontal movements (DP working area) are compensated. This is called the Active Mode of the Ampelmann.

Ampelmann Motion System in its minimum and maximum heave position

Access to platform

Providing access to any offshore structure is done by pressing the telescopic access gangway of the Ampelmann against the landing area of the structure. The design of the access gangway enables the Ampelmann system to rotate, extend and tilt the access gangway in each direction. The access gangway has a range of:

• Telescopic range: 12-20 meters

• Luffing range: +25 / -23 degrees

• Slewing range: full 360 degrees

As the Ampelmann motion base (hexapod) provides a stable platform at all times, the operator only has to focus on navigating the access gangway in the direction of the offshore structure by means of two joysticks.

Ampelmann working range

As seen in the pictures to the right, this Landing Area can be any construction ranging from, in case of a wind turbine, a balcony to the ladder of a boat-landing or, in case of an offshore platform, from the spider deck to the main deck.

No adaptation to platform

The connection between the tip of the access gangway and the offshore structure is maintained through constant pressure (pushing against the structure), preventing a gap to appear in between gangway and offshore structure. The preload pressure is set to 200 kilograms in the direction of the gangway. Subsequently, the system significantly reduces the complexity of Landing-Zone: NO ADAPTATION TO THE OFFSHORE STRUCTURE IS REQUIRED

No adaptations to the offshore structure required

Installation on vessel

The Ampelmann is a stand-alone offshore access system which is equipped with a full set of prerequisite components that can be installed in a plug & play manner:

• Ampelmann system

• Hydraulic Power Packs

• Control System

Each component has been designed to ensure that installation can be executed within 8 hours. This way quick and easy commissioning and decommissioning on any type of vessel across the world is guaranteed. If the Ampelmann system is installed for a longer period, integration with the vessel's hydraulic power supply reduces required space and power consumption.

Ampelmann in a single lift during installation

Vessel selection

The Ampelmann is especially designed as an offshore access system that can be installed and operated on board of any vessel or barge from 50m length and up. This means there is no need for any adjustment to the vessel in terms of power supply or reinforcement of the vessel (no pedestal needed). With respect to the vessel, the Ampelmann:

• Can be operated on any type of vessel from 50m length and up

• Can be operated by a small and cost effective crew

• Does not require Dynamic Positioning (DP)

• Does not require any adjustments to the vessel