Fast and Comfortable: Damen, Ampelmann in Crew Change Joint Venture

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards and offshore gangway specialist Ampelmann have launched the joint venture OceanXpress to provide offshore crew change solutions in the North Sea area. 

"This collaboration will see the introduction of a new service to the offshore access market that neatly combines the engineering feats of Damen’s Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 7011 Aqua Helix with the S-type motion compensated gangway system from Ampelmann," the companies said Friday.

The vessel and the gangway system have successfully passed offshore commissioning and will now start offering services to the offshore energy market.Photo by Bartolomej Tomić

Under the joint venture agreement, Damen and Ampelmann will provide full logistical support to the operations of Aqua Helix and the S-type as a fully integrated crew supply solution for clients in the North Sea energy market. Also, the companies said that experienced crew from Wagenborg Offshore would navigate the vessel along platforms. 

"The fast and comfortable vessel can transport up to 120 people at once and the height-adjustable gangway will facilitate rapid crew changes to and from Aqua Helix, allowing it to service multiple offshore installations during its tour," Damen said.

"The extra time this may take for the offshore workers is compensated by the high-speed transfer from the Port of Den Helder and by the great comfort this transfer offers. Crew will arrive well rested. Professionals in the offshore energy industry will find a large, adjustable and comfortable seat aboard Aqua Helix. They will get to their work and back to shore in comfort and at high speed in one of these 120 business class chairs," Damen said.

Photo by Bartolomej Tomić

According to Damen, the FCS 7011 can sail at speeds up to 40 knots, even in rough conditions. The axe bow reduces slamming and pitching to great extent, the shipbuilder said.

Also, per Damen, the slender aluminum hull allows for fast sailing as it is powered by four MTU engines connected to water jets. The largest gyro stabilizer built to date by VEEM will reduce rolling by more than 90 percent. The vessel is perfectly laid out to provide a comfortable, fast, and efficient ride across the North Sea waves, the company said.

Damen and Ampelmann engineered Aqua Helix for integration of the gangway installation with the hull structure. This integrated approach allowed the engineers to design a light but the strong structure for the gangway foundation. 

Credit: Ampelmann"Weight reduction is key when high speed is required.  At destination, the Ampelmann gangway system enables offshore workers to safely walk to the offshore installation. Based on proven technology, the telescopic gangway can reach platforms and turbines up to 19 meters above sea level. This provides continuous access from the vessel to the platform or wind turbine, enabling the smooth transfer of large groups. The combination of advanced dynamic positioning, gyro stabilizer and the Ampelmann system allow for safe, rapid and efficient personnel transfers," the companies said.

"OceanXpress aims to upgrade crew change solutions in terms of comfort and efficiency. Successful sea trials have shown that the vessel and integrated gangway system are fit for the job. The next-level crew transfer service is now available for both long-term and short-term commitments. By providing a new level of comfort, safety and efficiency, this joint venture is set to revolutionize the offshore energy market," the two companies said.