Ampelmann, a leader in the provision of safe offshore access to the global energy industries, has secured two contracts with vessel owner L.A.T.C Marine Limited, on behalf of ExxonMobil, for the supply of two L-type gangway systems, offshore Nigeria.
Following successful sea trials of the L-type gangway system, the integrated solution was approved for operations. Vessel owner L.A.T.C Marine has installed the personnel transfer system on its Damen FCS-5009 Fast Crew Supplier vessel Dijama for infield operations with ExxonMobil. The L-type is particularly suited to small, crew change vessels and allows a continuous flow of up to 50 personnel every five minutes.
Gbolahan Shaba, CEO, L.A.T.C. Marine, said: “We are proud to have partnered with Damen and Ampelmann in delivering one of the most innovative solutions for the Nigerian upstream industry in recent years. Today, the gangway is fast becoming the company’s preferred mode of personnel transfer and we look forward to delivering additional units to them before the end of 2018.”
An updated version of the L-type is currently being fabricated at Ampelmann’s dedicated production facility in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This is planned to be installed onboard another Damen-built FCS-5009, the Chilosco, to support further maintenance operations offshore Nigeria for L.A.T.C Marine. It is expected to be delivered later this year. Compared to the original L-type, the enhanced version is lighter, boasts a smaller footprint and higher working range.
“We are delighted to build on our relationship with L.A.T.C. Marine and Damen to enable ExxonMobil to safely transfer personnel to work offshore Nigeria. Both companies clearly recognize and appreciate the safety and operational benefits that the L-Type / Damen 5009 combination can bring compared to conventional methods,” said David Inman, Ampelmann’s Business Development Manager, Europe & Africa.
“The enhanced L-type is being developed in close cooperation with vessel designers and owners. It offers the offshore industry a proven, safe system that is now even better equipped to help our clients with their crew logistic challenges.”
The company has been operational in Africa for more than four years and has performed over 70,000 personnel transfers across eight projects in the region.
Ampelmann will be exhibiting at OTC 2018 from 30 April – 3 May on booth 1425 at the Dutch Pavilion, NRG Park, Houston, Texas.