Ampelmann’s A-type Enhanced Performance (AEP) gangway system will transfer personnel from Wagenborg Offshore’s second Walk to Work Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel Kasteelborg, to support gas production in the Dutch and UK sectors of the Southern North Sea.
Ampelmann’s A-type Enhanced Performance (AEP) gangway system will transfer personnel from Wagenborg Offshore’s second Walk to Work Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel Kasteelborg, to support gas production in the Dutch and UK sectors of the Southern North Sea.
The six-year contract is with Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) and Shell UK Exploration & Production.
The Kasteelborg was converted from a standard offshore supply vessel to a specialised Walk to Work vessel in just 12 weeks at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in The Netherlands.
The dimensions of the AEP are the same as Ampelmann’s original A-type gangway system. However, it boasts the ability to use smaller vessels to obtain similar or even better performance and operational stability. This ultimately saves cost by allowing flexible positioning on the vessel.
Joeri Poelmann, Ampelmann’s Manager Sales & Business Development Europe & Africa, said: “As NAM/Shell UK is pursuing their strategy to simplify operations on unmanned offshore assets in the Southern North Sea, Wagenborg’s latest Walk to Work vessel combined with Ampelmann’s AEP will enable workers safe and easy access to carry out essential offshore maintenance activities.
“The gangway system significantly improves operational up-time on projects year-round and provides benefits to operators in rougher waters, including the North Sea, the coasts of South America, and the Middle East.”
The Kasteelborg is also equipped with an additional accommodation module and motion compensated crane.
Source: Pipeline ME
