WO Graduation Internship - Markerless Landing Point Detection for Offshore Gangways

Markerless Landing Point Detection for Offshore Gangways

Introduction

Ampelmann provides innovative and reliable offshore access solutions, operating a fleet of 65 systems that safely transfer personnel and cargo between vessels and offshore structures worldwide. With over 11 million safe people transfers and 650+ projects across six continents, Ampelmann serves key players in the global energy industry.

Problem statement

Ampelmann is working to automate the operation of its offshore gangways, with a key focus on the landing process. Currently, this is achieved using a visual marker called AprilTags combined with computer vision, which has proven that automated landing is feasible. However, deploying and maintaining AprilTags in offshore environments is complex and often impractical. To overcome this, Ampelmann aims to develop a markerless landing solution using smart algorithms that can identify landing points without relying on physical markers.

Thesis assignment

Develop a markerless algorithm to reliably detect and track the landing point of an offshore gangway making use of LiDAR data, possibly also camera image data. The solution should be computationally efficient, robust to environmental variability, and suitable for real-time deployment.

Platform

Ampelmann provides a robust development and testing environment to support this project. A hardware-in-the-loop simulation setup is available, enabling realistic testing of the algorithm using simulated camera and LiDAR data from actual gangway systems. In addition, real-time operational data can be accessed to train and validate the algorithm under real-world conditions. Depending on project progress, live testing on an operational system may also be possible, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate performance in a real offshore environment.

We ask

• Master (WO) in Robotics or Systems and Control

• Excellent communication skills in English (and pref. in Dutch)

• Availability for a minimum period of 6 months for 4-5 days per week

• A lot of experience in Microsoft Office, analytical skills, and a proactive and fun attitude

You get

• A nice compensation

• A great and informal workplace in Delft

• Fantastic lunch, amazing coffee and fun break facilities (e.g. ping pong, darts)

Interested?

You can apply until 27 July 2025 by uploading your CV and motivation letter via the “Apply” button on our website. If you have any questions related to this vacancy, please contact Constanza Lührs at recruitment@ampelmann.nl.