Damen Shipyards Group, Ampelmann and VEEM demonstrated the capabilities of their joint marine access solution – a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 5009 equipped with an Ampelmann L-type gangway and two VEEM VG 260SD gyro stabilisers – at the end of June on Eneco’s Princess Amalia offshore wind farm in the Netherlands.
Wiebe Jan Emsbroek , Crew Change Market Manager at Ampelmann, said: “To be able to demonstrate the capabilities of the Ampelmann L-type system in combination with the FCS 5009 and VEEM’s gyro stabilizers was extremely important. It clearly showed the need to have partners to deliver a single solution for safe and efficient personnel transfer.”
The combination marks a step change for marine access solutions, according to Damen, with the testing of the VEEM stabilisers providing a roll reduction of between 35-40% in combination with the performance of the Ampelmann system.
David Stibbe , Damen Business Development Manager, said: “Looking to the anticipated combination on the next generation of Damen fast crew suppliers, our new FCS 7011 design will feature the larger VEEM VG 1000 SD stabilizer, which will achieve a roll reduction of up to 70% in 2.5m significant wave heights.”
VEEM Chairman Brad Miocevich said: “The performance of the VG 260 SDs were absolutely as predicted and exceeded Damen’s expectations. It was impressive to see the new Damen, Ampelmann, VEEM combination working so seamlessly. I am very excited to be able to sign off on the performance of the VG 260 SDs on the Damen FCS 5009 vessel. It is even more encouraging to receive Damen’s confirmation that they would now like to proceed to the purchase phase & confirm the commercial requirements & delivery dates to supply the VG1000SD for the new Damen FCS 7011.”
Following the demonstration, this Ampelmann L-type will be shipped to Nigeria where it will be installed on another FCS 5009, owned by L.A.T.C. Marine Limited and operating for ExxonMobil.