Automated mooring systems (AMS) can substantially reduce CO2 emissions from vessels during mooring operations according to a new report by Spanish researchers.
The research found that AMS use can cut CO2 emissions by up to 97% at roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) or pax terminals while the systems also reduce the time it takes to moor vessels in port.
Its authors said: “These devices, which help to reduce considerably the time required to perform the mooring and unmooring manoeuvres […] from some tens of minutes to a few seconds.”
The report was compiled by members of the Ocean and Coastal Planning and Management R&D Group at the University of Cantabria, Spain, and the department of Sciences and Techniques of Navigation and Shipbuilding, School of Nautical Studies of Santander.
They found that Nordic countries have thus far contributed the most to CO2 emissions reductions through use of AMS, with installations at berths in Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Cavotec’s automated mooring system MoorMaster was the system studied in the report.
In recent years, Cavotec has integrated its AMS with electrical charging interface technologies for hybrid and electric ferries.
MoorMaster enables the rapid mooring required for hybrid and electric ferries to charge vessel batteries during brief port calls ahead of subsequent sailings.
According to the manufacturer, the AMS can be an effective tool to support the achievement of International Maritime Organization goals to reduce emissions from shipping by at least 50% from 2008 levels by 2050.
To date, more than 323 MoorMaster units have performed some 400,000 moorings at ferry, bulk and container handling, as well as lock and ship-to-ship applications worldwide.
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