Chevalier Floatels has made good progress with the development of its new offshore floatel concept. The design of the two DP2 floatels with Ampelmann Heave Compensated Gangway nears completion.
With the Ampelmann located on the top deck a whole range of advantages are achieved. The high location of the Amplemann makes horizontal access to the windmill access platform possible. In this way entering the windmill is much safer and more comfortable. Next to this carrying in equipment will be much more easy for the engineers. Also, because of this location, the performance of the Ampelmann has increased. At many windfarm sites performance will now be possible in 3m significant wave height.
As the vessels feature 55 deluxe cabins and have 30 days operational autonomy, the vessels can be stationed inside the field. This reduces travel time and increases the productivity of the engineers significantly as their workday now starts at the moment they step on the gangway to enter the windmill, and no longer on shore on board of the crew transfer vessel.
The vessels are set out to dramatically increase productivity in the wind industry. At first during the construction time; because of the weather performance more effective working days will be created. But also during maintenance operations, as higher access ratios mean less down time for the windmills and thus more electricity output.
Chevalier Floatels looks forward to a very inspiring exhibition with lots of interest for the vessels. As a creative way of symbolizing the speed of access to the windmills Chevalier Floatels will showcase a Lamborghini in their booth.
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Offshore WIND staff, November 24, 2011; Image: floatels