Last week the 5th edition of the Maritime Awards Gala took place at the Amsterdam Convention Factory in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Over 700 prominent people from the Dutch maritime industry attended.
The Maritime Awards Gala was established in 2000 by the Holland Marine Equipment Association and consists of 5 awards of which the HME Maritime Innovation Award is one. Its purpose is to gain more recognition for the innovative power of the Dutch maritime and offshore suppliers, and to stimulate positive developments within the maritime industry. Innovations in products, services and management processes are eligible. Also, every entry must be widely applicable and have sufficient export potential. The award consists of a trophy, a considerable amount of international publicity and the opportunity to use the accompanying logo. In 2009, Datema Delfzijl won this award for their ENC-Track. This year the award went to Ampelmann.
Ampelmann
The Ampelmann technology offers a safe way to change from vessels at sea to offshore constructions like wind turbines and drill platforms. It consists of a large deck with a gangway system, supported by six hydraulic cylinders, comparable to an airplane simulator. By measuring ship movements while moving the six cylinders in an opposite direction, the top deck and gangway system are kept stationary opposite of the offshore construction, making it easier for mechanics to change to the construction.
Other nominees were Trustlube and Kwant Controls.
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Source: offshorewind, November 16, 2010