Ampelmann has been operating in the Middle East for more than 13 years now. Since the company first introduced its fully motion compensated gangways into the region in 2012, Walk to Work (W2W) has become an appealing alternative to conventional offshore access methodologies
Fast becoming a global industry norm, W2W has gained considerable traction throughout the Middle East because of the safety, efficiency and consistency it brings to local operations. As motion compensated gangways continue to perform in adverse weather conditions, they extend weather windows and shorten the duration of campaigns, resulting in reduced costs and increased flexibility. In just a decade, such systems have become a crucial part of offshore operations in the Caspian Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
By the end of 2023, at least 12 gangways – currently 10 A-types and two L-types – will be operational in the Middle East. Representing a huge increase since 2021, or nearly 20% of the company’s systems, Ampelmann’s global growth is visibly reflected in the region. With a permanent office in Qatar and over two million transfers completed in the last 13 years, the region remains one of the strongest and fastest growing markets for its gangway systems.
Ampelmann’s A- and L-type systems, in particular, have become well-known to clients throughout the Middle East for use on a variety of different work scopes. From installation and construction work to maintenance and other major projects, these systems have begun to change the face of the regional offshore access market.
The A-type sees much use in the global offshore energy sector. Able to compensate for motions up to 3.5m Hs, because of the innovative hexapod, it is ideally suited for personnel transfers during variable weather conditions. The L-type, in turn, is fully electric, has a low carbon footprint and allows for continuous crew change operations.
In addition to its systems, the company provides a robust service package that includes trained operators, training client operators, 24/7 support through the Operation Control Centre (OCC) and workability forecasts and data services through its digital platform, Ampelmann Insights.
To support the growth of this market, Ampelmann will launch the F-type, a modular and electric gangway that allows for continuous personnel transfers and cargo operations at variable heights up to 15m. Easy to deploy and adjust in between operations, the system’s 25m gangway can double-up as a crane with a hoisting capacity of 400kg.
The coming years will see major construction projects throughout the Middle East. In the constantly evolving regional market, offshore access is continuing to grow in demand together with the increasing requirements for safety, efficiency and reliability. Ampelmann’s systems are sure to continue to make an impact on the region.
