SWEDEN – WORLDWIDE – Trelleborg Marine Systems operation has launched AutoMoor, a rope-free, automated mooring system that uses smart technologies to enable a faster berthing process and improve safety levels within the port environment. Using vacuum technology to rapidly attach to and secure a vessel at berth, the system reduces vessel motions, and continuously monitors all mooring loads acting on the vessel at berth, providing live data to the operator to optimise day-to-day port and terminal operations. It also minimises personnel involvement to reduce human error and improve safety. Richard Hepworth, President of Trelleborg’s Marine Systems Operation, said:
“Docking and mooring can play a critical role in increasing throughput of an individual berth and overall port facility. No matter the application, ports and terminals worldwide are under pressure to increase throughput.
“However, trying to do so at the same time as dealing with increasing vessel sizes can be difficult. Optimising operational windows is an effective route to improving efficiency and one that AutoMoor enables by reducing the time taken to moor vessels.”
With mooring units that provide real time data to monitor vessel mooring loads, Trelleborg says that it is offering the technology needed to compete effectively in today’s complex, global landscape and that automated mooring technologies will minimise downtime by reducing the effects passing ships have on moored vessels. When using mooring lines, operators may need to interrupt operations, costing time and money in delayed product transfer. Using an automated mooring system to dampen vessel motions and extend the range of conditions in which efficient transfer can take place can have huge implications for efficiency.
AutoMoor is also intended to help ports and terminals become more environmentally efficient, because vessels can be secured in under a minute and released in 30 seconds. This reduces vessel idling time and reduces the time tug boats are required alongside the vessel until the mooring operation is complete, cutting emissions overall.
