Ampelmann Pioneers Composite Telescopic Boom for Offshore Access Systems

Why It Matters

Weight reduction and energy efficiency cut operating costs for offshore operators, and certification opens the door for wider composite adoption in marine infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Composite T‑boom reduces weight 30% versus steel
• One‑shot cure cuts production time and eliminates secondary bonding
• CFRP sandwich with PET foam core resists buckling and fatigue
• Lloyd’s Register certifies hybrid composite‑steel offshore gangway
• Lower inertia cuts energy use and boosts hoisting capacity

Pulse Analysis

Offshore personnel transfer has long relied on steel gangways, prized for strength but burdened by weight, corrosion and high energy draw. As wind farms and offshore platforms expand, operators demand longer service windows, lighter equipment, and lower fuel consumption. Composite materials, especially carbon‑fiber‑reinforced polymers, promise these benefits, yet regulatory acceptance and manufacturing complexity have slowed adoption. Ampelmann’s new telescopic boom marks a turning point, marrying the proven motion‑compensated gangway concept with advanced CFRP technology to address these long‑standing constraints.

The breakthrough hinges on a “one‑shot” cure process that consolidates the boom into a single manufacturing cycle, eliminating secondary bonding steps that traditionally add weight and variability. Solico engineered a CFRP sandwich panel with a Gurit PET foam core, creating a truss‑like structure where unidirectional fibers handle tensile loads while the foam resists compression and buckling. By varying foam density and adding localized reinforcement, the team achieved seamless integration with stainless‑steel connection points, mitigating stress concentrations without bulky external hardware. Rigorous simulation of the hybrid steel‑composite interaction satisfied Lloyd’s Register’s stringent safety criteria, granting the first certification for a composite offshore access boom.

The commercial impact is immediate: a 30 % mass reduction translates into lower inertia, reducing the power needed for hoisting and extending the operational envelope of crew‑boat transfers. Corrosion resistance promises longer intervals between maintenance, further trimming lifecycle costs. Beyond Ampelmann’s own fleet, the certified design sets a precedent for the broader maritime sector, encouraging shipyards and equipment suppliers to explore composite replacements for other heavy‑duty components. As sustainability mandates tighten and offshore projects proliferate, the hybrid boom positions composites as a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly alternative, likely accelerating their market penetration over the next decade.