Page 11: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2020)

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WALK TO WORK LEADING OFF

AMPELMANN IS NOW WORKING

ON AN OPERATOR ASSIST (NOT

OPERATOR REPLACEMENT)

SYSTEM DESIGNED TO HELP THE

OPERATOR MAKE A CONNECTION

TO AN OFFSHORE STRUCTURE. “IT’S MORE LIKE SOME OF THE

AUTOMATION SYSTEMS YOU’RE

SEEING IN CARS TODAY; THERE

IS A FEATURE TO ASSIST THE

DRIVER, AND FOR EXAMPLE, HELP

PARK THE CAR, BUT YOU ARE NOT

REMOVING THE DRIVER FROM THE

SYSTEM ALTOGETHER.”

DIEDERICK NIERSTRASZ

MANAGER BUSINESS UNIT

OFFSHORE WIND, AMPELMANN

Source: Ampelmann “A few years ago, we recognized the opportunity to enhance demands and scale of the systems designed to serve them. the current system to reduce the time and physical effort taken Quite simply, there is a growing need to conduct more, heavi- to change the gangway work mode from personnel to cargo,” er lifts offshore, coupled with a demand to work in increas- said Nierstrasz. “It now takes less than one minute.” ingly harsh conditions to maximize ‘up time.’

Ampelmann is now working on an operator assist system With a close eye on the market and input from key clients, that Nierstrasz said is designed to help the operator make a Ampelmann is currently manufacturing the frst E5000 sys- connection to an offshore structure. Stressing that the innova- tem, with the aim of completing it in July 2020, followed by tion is not designed to remove the operator from the opera- testing in August and available for projects in September. tion, he compared it to some of the innovations being seen in With the ability to lift up to fve tons, the system will help the automotive sector. “It’s more like some of the automation increase the work scope clients can deliver and improve the systems you’re seeing in cars today; there is a feature to assist effciency of W2W operations.

the driver, and for example, help park the car, but you are not “The moment you launch a successful system and the cli- removing the driver from the system altogether.” ents beneft from the added value and see the full potential, there is an appetite for more,” said Nierstrasz. “We like to think along with our customers and design the best possible

MEET THE E5000

As offshore wind turbines continue to get larger, so do the solutions to match their needs.”

MAY/JUNE 2020 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 11