Ampelmann Adds 7 Offshore Access Systems to Its Fleet

Ampelmann, the Dutch-based leading supplier of Motion Compensated Gangway (MCG) systems to the offshore energy sector has expanded its global footprint through the acquisition of Dutch Offshore Solutions. Financial details for the transaction were not disclosed.

Ampelmann provides systems to safely transfer people and cargo from ships to offshore oil rigs or wind turbines, even in high wave conditions. The company has a fleet of over 25 systems which it leases to its clients globally. With the acquisition of Offshore Solutions, Ampelmann adds 7 Offshore Access Systems (OASs) to its fleet, including the personnel to operate, maintain and continue development of these systems.

OASs are able to provide a continuous connection between a ship and platform for a long period of time, a capability that is particularly well-suited for application in the Persian Gulf. CEO Jan van der Tempel of Ampelmann: “We are quadrupling our presence in the Gulf with this acquisition and are broadening our current product portfolio which includes the A-type and the larger E-type, with the OASs. Moreover, the Offshore Solutions employees bring along a welcome expansion of knowledge and experience to our fast-growing organization.”

The acquisition follows on the recent acquisition of a majority stake by IK Investment Partners (IK) in Ampelmann. Ampelmann and IK aim to continue to grow the Delft-based firm internationally through organic growth based on innovation and acquisitions. With the acquisition of Offshore Solutions, Ampelmann acquires an office in Qatar. This will be followed by opening an office in Singapore in December and an office in Houston in early 2014 following a recent first project win in the region.

Advisors to Offshore Solutions were Holland Corporate Finance and Ploum Lodder Princen. Advisors to Ampelmann were Kempen & Co Corporate Finance and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

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Press release, November 27, 2013; Image: Ampelmann