Norway's TTS Material Handling Division, Drobak, part of TTS Marine ASA, Bergen, has delivered two Semi-Automatic Bollards (SAB) for installation at the Norwegian ferry ports of Horten and Moss, on Oslofjord, for the ferry service operated by Basto Fosen.
Norway's TTS Material Handling Division, Drobak, part of TTS Marine ASA, Bergen, has delivered two Semi-Automatic Bollards (SAB) for installation at the Norwegian ferry ports of Horten and Moss, on Oslofjord, for the ferry service operated by Basto Fosen. The units will be delivered during early June this year (2005) and will include the complete electrical and hydraulic control system. The system is currently undergoing testing prior hand over.
In order to reduce the number of personnel needed on shore during the mooring operation, the SAB has been designed to operate as a vertical telescopic moving bollard that can be tilted against the ship’s hull. The SAB system comprises the following components erected on a rigid steel frame:
- Hydraulically operated vertical telescopic arm including a tilting cylinder and tiltable bollard
- Electric control system
- Hydraulic system
- Control panel.
The bollard is operated by radio control from the winch deck or from the bridge (departure only). Once the vessel is in position, the bow ramp is lowered and the operator activates the SAB using push buttons on the radio remote control. The Bollard is then tilted towards the ship's hull and the wire loop is hooked on to the bollard. The bollard frame is then tilted automatically back to vertical position. The mooring cable is tightened from the deck winch, which completes the mooring. The system automatically sustains the cable tension.
To release the mooring, the operator releases the brake on the
deck winch, and activates a button on the radio control to tilt the upper bollard, which releases the wire loop. The vessel is now ready for departure.
Apart from a reduction in manning during the mooring/unmooring operation, the system also enhances safety during the operation and offers cost reductions. It is ideal for use with ferry services involving frequent berthing operations.
