Ampelmann unveils Icemann offshore access system

Ampelmann has unveiled a walk-to-work system designed for operation in extreme conditions.

The N-type Ampelmann, nicknamed Icemann, was unveiled on 20 April 2017 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Designed to safely and efficiently transfer crew in extreme icing and temperatures as low as -28°C (-18°F), the fully enclosed and insulated system can operate in sea states up to 3.5m significant wave height and has active motion compensation. The Icemann rotates to 360 degrees and is controlled from the vessel with flexibility as to platform landing locations and directions.

Ampelmann said it created the Icemann “in response to growing demand for effective and safe personnel transfer equipment in frontier regions.”

The company anticipates strong demand for the Icemann from Russia, Norway and Canada as well as parts of the Caspian Sea.

Ampelmann announced last year that Sakhalin Energy had ordered an Icemann system for the Sakhalin-2 field in eastern Russia. Due to be installed later this year, Ampelmann has worked closely with Sakhalin Energy to tailor the system to the unique requirements of the project, which will be installed on one of the company’s ice-class vessels for 10 years.