People and Cargo Transfer System for Offshore Wind Industry
Ampelmann has launched an improved version of its industry leading A-type system for transferring people and cargo in the offshore wind industry.
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, says: “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.” 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 3m. 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 manoeuvred by one person, is speed adjustable and includes an auto-brake.