Ampelmann launches people and cargo transfer system for offshore wind industry

Press release

Improved A400 to debut at Offshore Wind Energy Conference

Ampelmann has launched an improved version of its industry leading 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 leading 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.

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.

Friso Talsma, Ampelmann’s Sales and Business Development Manager for Offshore Wind, said: “By working closely with our customers we have been able to develop a system that meets their needs and allows them to work safely and more effectively. 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.

“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 3metres.

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. Featuring an easy loading design, the system can be maneuvered by one person, is speed adjustable and includes an auto-brake.

The upgraded A400 will be on display along with the Cargo400 trolley at the Offshore Wind Energy Conference from 6-8 June. The firm will also be showcasing its E1000 system, the industry’s first fully motion compensated gangway capable of transferring loads up to 1000kg and personnel, that has been successfully deployed on Germany’s first commercial offshore windfarm. Ampelmann will be at stand S-H30.