Ampelmann, the Dutch offshore access provider, will supply an E5000 motion compensated gangway, a one-of-a-kind system in the market, to Norwegian vessel owner Volstad Maritime AS to assist with cabling and commissioning operations on the St. Brieuc windfarm off the coast of Brittany in France. This marks the first entry of the E5000 in French territorial waters and sees the continued involvement of Ampelmann in the burgeoning French offshore wind sector.
As the only system in its class, the E5000 is a full motion compensated system that can safely transfer both passengers and heavy cargo loads up to 4.6mT. As it can operate in very rough sea states it extends weather windows, increases operational efficiency and eliminates the need to maintain both a crane and a gangway on the same vessel. Based on proven E-type technology, the gangway of up to 28m in length can switch between people and crane mode in less than a minute and is ideally suited for construction, commissioning and repair operations on wind turbines due to its multifunctional capabilities. The system will be fitted on OSV Deep Cygnus in early September 2022 for a duration between 60 to 180 days.
This is Ampelmann’s second major contract in the French renewable energy sector since 2021. “It comes at an opportune moment,” Ralph Schnee, Ampelmann’s Business Developer for Europe remarks. “As the French pledge to increase their offshore wind energy capacity to 50GW by 2050, this will lead to an increasing demand for safe and flexible access solutions for cargo and personnel. Ampelmann’s motion-compensated systems have a proven global track record and have much to offer to the rapidly expanding French wind sector.”
Schnee wishes to extend his gratitude to Volstad Maritime and the end client: “This is an important moment for the company and Deep Cygnus deserve particular praise for their continued trust in Ampelmann’s systems and their shared dedication to improve the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.”
Christoffer Syversen CEO of Volstad Maritime AS say’s; “Volstad Maritime AS is pleased to continue our good relationship with Ampelmann by signing an agreement for work on the St. Brieuc windfarm. Together with Ampelmann we look forward to serving our client, Nexans, on the project, and we firmly believe that a high spec capable vessel such as the Deep Cygnus outfitted with the E5000 system from Ampelmann will provide a premium W2W platform.”
“In the next 25 years,” Schnee continues, “nearly 50 windfarms, including floating wind turbines, will need to be built to reach the French targets. As a company that is deeply invested in the global wind sector, we are always looking for opportunities to assist with the construction, maintenance and repair of offshore renewables. Ampelmann’s motion-compensated systems can extend seasonal windows and allow for flexible access options during a variety of work scopes. Our global experience in the offshore energy sector, paired with our constant desire to innovate will help to facilitate this projected growth by providing safe and efficient access throughout the year.”
