Health & Safety

Ampelmann’s portfolio of gangways is ready for operations on any type of floating structure. (Image source: Ampelmann)

Ship to Ship operations (S2S) have been a cornerstone of offshore logistics for years, providing a critical link in the transfer of personnel and cargo between floating vessels and structures

As the offshore energy sector expands into deeper waters, where constructing fixed structures is prohibitively expensive, the demand for safe and efficient access from one floating structure to another has surged.

Despite the technical complexity involved in transferring personnel and cargo between two floating objects, Ampelmann’s innovative motion compensated gangways have long been capable of facilitating S2S operations. Until recently these systems have successfully enabled operations on a variety of different floating structures, including floating wind turbines and other vessels, but not yet on Single Point Buoy Moorings (SPMs).

An important component of the modern oil and gas sector, SPM’s, often paired with FPSO’s, enable the quick on- and offloading of crude oil or gas. Traditional access methods, such as “bump and jump” – where a vessel pushes against the structure to allow personnel to jump across – or towing the SPM back to port for repairs, have been the primary methods of access during maintenance operations. While these methods have been effective, they come with obvious safety and efficiency concerns.

UAE pilot project

Earlier this year, Ampelmann’s electric L-type gangway was used on a pilot project for a maintenance campaign on an SPM offshore Abu Dhabi, UAE. As these floating structures can exhibit extreme motions relative to the vessel, they present additional challenges for Walk to Work (W2W) systems. A custom-designed landing platform was built and attached to the SPM to ensure a safe and stable gangway connection and with the help of in-depth workability studies and through years of experience with similar operational procedures, the project was completed within 12 days.

The successful completion of the project marks a turning point in the servicing of these structures and shows that Ampelmann’s gangways have the capacity to compensate for the complex and divergent motions of both the vessel and the SPM, ensuring safe and efficient personnel and cargo transfers.

As the offshore energy sector fixes its gaze beyond the horizon, further out from shore, where fixed offshore structures are no longer desirable, the S2S capabilities of W2W systems such as Ampelmann’s are poised to become increasingly relevant. From operations between two vessels to FPSOs, semi-submersibles, floating wind turbines, and now SPMs, Ampelmann’s portfolio of gangways is ready for operations on any type of floating structure.

The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern". (Image source: SafeStart)

Larry Wilson, author and CEO, higlights the importance of 'self triggering' in reducing the risk of serious injuries

As we return to our ongoing series on Paradigm Shifts in safety, we invite you to read the sixth article, which delves into the "State-to-Error Risk Pattern" and the crucial concept of self-triggering. This paradigm shift is foundational for understanding how our mental and physical states can lead to critical errors, which, if not recognised in time, can result in severe injuries.

The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern" (see above image) identifies how certain states—such as rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency—dramatically increase the likelihood of making mistakes. This article emphasises the importance of self-triggering, a method that encourages individuals to recognize these hazardous states in real-time and take immediate corrective actions. By mastering self-triggering, workers can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.

Last month, we promoted an important set of events focused on preventing serious injuries. These in-depth sessions, hosted by SafeStart and Author, Larry Wilson, provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading safety experts and dive deeper into strategies for mitigating risks in the workplace. These events are also designed to complement the lessons learned from our Paradigm Shifts series.

Now that we’re back on track, we encourage you not only register, but also to explore this critical sixth article, to reinforce your understanding and application of these life-saving concepts. Stay proactive, stay safe, and keep learning.
[READ ARTICLE]

Larry Wilson is a pioneer in the area of Human Factors in safety. He has been a safety consultant for over 25 years and has worked on-site with hundreds of companies worldwide. He is the author of SafeStart, an advanced safety and performance awareness program, successfully implemented in more than 3,500 companies, in over 60 countries, with more than four million people trained. He co-authored the book “Inside Out: Rethinking Traditional Safety Management Paradigms” and authored the book “Defenseless Moments: a Different Perspective on Serious Injuries.” Larry is the moderator of the SafeConnection expert panels and an active keynote speaker at health and safety conferences around the globe.

The new standard will help to improve offshore safety. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

OPITO, the global safety and skills organisation for the energy industry, has launched a new standard to ensure the competency of helicopter administrators

The initiative will improve safety for global offshore workers requiring helicopter transfers to offshore platforms.

The new Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard complies with the best practice and requirements for helicopter administrators as detailed in Civil Aviation Authority’s Civil Aviation Publication CAP 437: Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (CAP 437). It assesses the candidates’ knowledge and skills in providing administrative support required to safely operate the helideck and manage helicopter movements within their role in the workplace. The Assessment will be undertaken in the candidates’ workplace and consists of five units.

Stakeholder consultation

The standard was developed in conjunction with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and in consultation with industry stakeholders, including Spirit Energy, Harbour Energy, HCA, bp, Repsol Resources UK, TAQA and TotalEnergies.

Lucie Booth, product development manager at OPITO, said, “OPITO is committed to creating workforce development solutions to build a safe and skilled energy workforce. The launch of the Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard will assess helicopter administrators in their role within the workplace, to ensure they are contributing meaningfully to safe operational activity in often challenging offshore environments.”

Graham Skinner, Health and Safety Manager at OEUK, said, “The UK’s offshore energy industry has used helicopters for more than 50 years – developing some of the highest safety standards in the world. The industry drives forward a programme of continuous improvement that is focused on reducing risk, and this is another step forward. We look forward to working with OPITO and our members to ensure we support the roll-out of this new standard.”

HSE KSA takes place in September this year. (Image source: SafeStart)

This month, we are taking a break from the Paradigm Shifts to let you know that the visionary author behind this series will be speaking at three events in the Middle East this fall.

With a rare blend of unique insight and engaging storytelling, Larry Wilson has captured the attention of HSE practitioners worldwide, by delving into the human factors that lead to over 95% of accidental injuries. These events promise to be a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the insights of an intellectual pioneer whose ideas are at the forefront of Human Factors Safety discourse.

Larry has been a leader in human factors management for over 25 years. The state-to-error pattern he uncovered is involved in over 95% of accidental injuries. His Critical Error Reduction Techniques have been proven by neuroscience to reduce injuries on and off the job. These techniques have been taught to over 4.5 million people in over 75 countries.

Larry is one of the most active keynote speakers at HSE conferences around the globe, speaking in over 80 cities a year. Known for his ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and thought-provoking narratives, Larry’s sessions are a testament to his thought leadership and expert insight. His new keynote session, “New Perspectives on the Hierarchy of Controls and the Bowtie Model,” offers a unique viewpoint on the role of Human Factors in incident causation and outcomes.

This fall, attendees in the Middle East will have the opportunity to witness Larry’s expertise live at three key events.

These gatherings are more than just lectures; they are interactive experiences designed to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and foster a deeper understanding of the human factors that impact our safety every day. Whether you are a professional seeking to stay ahead of industry trends, a student eager to expand your horizons, or simply someone with a passion for safety, these events are guaranteed to provide value.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see Larry Wilson, author of the Paradigm Shifts series, live at these events:

HSE 2024 KSA – Riyadh, September 17 - 18

Health, Safety and Environment Forum – Dubai, November 12 – 13

HSE Learning Summit – MENA – Abu Dhabi, November 19 - 20

If you have questions, just send us a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We hope to see you in one of these events!

The SafeStart Team