OFFSHORE PEOPLE TRANSFER
A viable alternative Fast crew supplier Aqua Helix The final phase of the commissioning of the first of Damen’s fast crew supplier (FCS) 7011 class – the Aqua Helix – is now underway with its Ampelmann gangway installed and integrated with the ship’s systems during the last days of 2021. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAMEN SHIPYARDS GROUP.
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ustom designed for the FCS 7011, the S-type motion-compensated gangway is a critical element in this next generation fast crew supplier. Engineered for minimum weight and fully electrical operation, the gangway plays a vital role in offshore crew transfers along with a VEEM gyrostabiliser and a range of other state of the art systems. Together they ensure safe, rapid, and cost-effective personnel transfers to and from the vessel in a wide range of sea states.
Interesting features Ampelmann has constructed many motion compensated gangways to be installed on existing and newly build vessels. Aqua Helix is the first project with a gangway that has been integrated in the design of the vessel. Because of this, many components of the gangway could be installed at a lower level of the vessel which has a positive effect on stability as well as on maintenance. With the gangway, Ampelmann introduced some other interesting features. For the first time, the electromotors that power the hydraulic cylinders were placed directly on the cylinders. This reduces the amount of piping, thus weight. In order to save energy, energy can be recovered during the lowering of the gangway. For the slideway, Ampelmann introduces a weight saving composite. Another worth mentioning effect of the collaborative development of the vessel is that the designers were able to draw the most ideal walking routes for its passengers, which improves safety on board for both crew and passengers.
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Antalya In January 2021, Aqua Helix was launched into the water at Damen Shipyards in Antalya, as the largest ever vessel (74.3m) to have been launched in Antalya Free Zone. Due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic, the launch was a very low-scale event instead of the large celebration that would usually be held for such a momentous occasion. On top of that, the launching was a very specific operation handled by two cranes which were transported by 50 trucks to settle on site, since the current launching facility was under re-construction. Despite this, the launching remained a very important milestone in the development of the vessel and a significant step towards its completion. Following the conclusion of outfitting activities and sea trials from Antalya to test and demonstrate her capabilities, the vessel sailed to the Netherlands in October of last year for the installation of the Ampelmann gangway system.
Customer demonstrations Following the installation of the gangway, the Aqua Helix has arrived in the final stages of its sea trials, conducting a full shakedown of all its systems. The first transfers using the gangway took place in March after which the vessel was available for customer demonstrations as a fully integrated offshore crew supply solution. While some prospective customers have already visited the vessel in the port, it was the first time that interested parties had the opportunity to experience her full potential out on the
water. As a cost-effective crew transportation solution featuring the highest levels of both comfort and safety, Aqua Helix offers a viable alternative to helicopter transport and has already gained substantial interest from clients in the southern North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and West Africa.
Substantial savings Aqua Helix is the result of close market consultation. The business case is based on its ability to transfer much larger numbers of personnel for longer distances at higher speeds. The vessel
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