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Understanding Ship Bollards
Ship Bollards keep ships safe by anchoring them to the dock. This is critical during loading and unloading as well as in bad weather. They connect the vessel to the dock and spread the force to prevent damage.
Ship Bollards can withstand huge loads. Cast iron and steel bollards can carry loads of up to 200 tons. They hold the vessel in place with mooring cables and absorb the impact of waves. Conventional T-bollards have 4 fixing points to make the vessel more secure. And they work well with pneumatic Fender Ports to protect harbors and marinas.
Originally, bollards were just wooden stakes. Now they are made of steel for use in heavy harbors and ductile iron for added strength. New designs, such as curved-head bollards, reduce rope wear by 15 percent.
These changes are in line with the increase in ship size and higher safety standards. They ensure that the bollards meet the demands of today’s shipping.
In addition, the extra galvanized coating prevents rust and extends service life. With regular inspections every 6 months, they have a service life of 20-30 years. Foam Fender Port protects the hull of the ship and ensures smooth operations in the harbor.
Types of Bollards for Ships
The marine environment requires bollards that are manufactured to suit the size, load and position of the vessel. Let’s take a look at the main types:
Single post bollards: suitable for small vessels or quiet marinas. They save space but cannot carry large loads.
Double bollards: can carry more weight using multiple ropes. Ideal for large cargo ships or busy marinas.
T-Head Bollard: Designed for heavy-duty operations and can hold up to 300 tons. Ideal for oil rigs and LNG terminals.
Kidney Bollard: Smooth edges reduce rope wear. These bollards are popular in marinas and recreational ports.
Material selection is also important. Steel or ductile iron resists corrosion in salt water. Aluminum is lightweight and suitable for use on land. For example, a Class 25T bollard protects a vessel from wind and waves, and Henger’s pneumatic Fender Ports work well with the bollard to ensure a safe mooring in the harbor.
When choosing a bollard, consider the size of the vessel. Larger vessels require stronger bollards. Busy marinas may require double bollards for more options. However, single bollards are better suited for tight spots. Be sure to check bollards frequently, especially in salty areas, to avoid damage.
Basic Steps for Proper Installation of Ship Bollards
Proper installation of a marine bollard is essential to ensure its safety in rough sea conditions. Follow these steps to ensure that your bollard is durable and meets industry standards.
Site Preparation and Foundation Requirements
First, conduct a thorough site inspection. Soil tests help determine how deep the foundation needs to be. In addition, make sure the bollard can carry the size of the vessel.
The foundation must be able to withstand wave forces and ship movements well. Use grout with a strength of at least 60 MPa to secure the anchor bolts.
Installation techniques for different dock materials
Concrete piers: Embed mooring posts in pre-drilled holes with a strong epoxy.
Timber piers: bollards are secured to treated timber with stainless steel square head bolts.
Steel deck: Weld brackets to the deck and secure bollards with approved fasteners.
Henger recommends that bollards be positioned in alignment with the fender system for even loading.
Post-Installation Testing and Certification
Each marine mooring bollard is required to be tension tested at 150% of rated load. An outside company inspector will check them for compliance with ISO 12322. You will need to:
- Material certification
- Load test report
- Manufacturer’s installation guide
Common Installation Challenges in Ports
Harbors face rainfall and strong winds. Below are suggestions for local teams:
- For wet areas please choose corrosion resistant stainless steel.
- Reinforce foundations in areas with high tidal changes.
- Work with local government authorities for customs clearance of bollards.
The Henger team provides on-site assistance for tropical facilities. We also help integrate pneumatic fenders/foam fenders or rubber fenders with bollard systems for better performance.
Harbor Bollard Maintenance Best Practices
Keeping harbor, dock and mooring bollards in good condition is critical. Without regular maintenance, they can fail, putting vessels and buildings at risk.
- Check daily for loose parts, cracks or foundation problems.
- Check cables and mooring points monthly for wear and tear.
- Have them inspected annually by a certified expert to ensure their safety.
Prevent corrosion in the marine environment
Choose marine-grade ductile iron bollards from a trusted brand. They can withstand damage from seawater. Apply an epoxy coating and use sacrificial anodes to protect the metal. Clean dock bollards every three months and recoat them every 15 years.
When to Repair or Replace Dock Bollards
If your bollards have large cracks, foundation problems or worn coatings, they need to be replaced with new ones. Fix minor problems like loose bolts or minor rust immediately.
hoosing the Right Heavy Duty Bollard for Your Vessel Size and Type
Choosing the Right Heavy Duty Bollard for Your Vessel Size and Type
Choosing the right offshore bollard starts with the size of the vessel. Heavy-duty bollards must match the vessel’s displacement to avoid structural failure. Use this guide to match bollard strength to your vessel:
- Under 2,000 tons: 10-ton capacity
- 2,000-10,000 tons: 30-ton capacity
- Over 100,000 tons: 150-200 ton capacity
Add 25% extra capacity for ports facing typhoons. Use a kidney-shaped design in low-tide areas, but choose T-bollards for high-strength anchoring. Materials are also important:
Ductile iron: best for corrosion resistance, but expensive
Cast steel: the strongest option, but requires regular maintenance
Rebound bollards from top manufacturers of offshore bollard systems combine embedded strength with cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for cruise ships that require multi-directional line management. Spacing is also important – place bollards every 15-30 meters or 15% of the ship’s length to evenly distribute the load.
Check the mooring angles against international standards: 45° on the bowline and up to 30° vertically. Consult a certified bollard manufacturer, such as Henger, to ensure compatibility with existing marina infrastructure. Our engineers analyze vessel type, local weather patterns and future expansion plans to avoid premature replacement costs.
Conclusion
Quality bollards are the key to ensuring safety during the mooring of ships and marinas. They help prevent accidents and damage, which can be very costly. For example, a major accident can cost as much as $1 million.
It is important to inspect bollards every 6-12 months. Using a strong material such as cast iron can make bollards last more than 25 years. In addition, choosing bollards that can withstand 150 per cent of their rated load is essential for safety, especially in bad weather.
The use of pneumatic fenders with Henger Shipping Products combined with bollards creates a powerful system. Brightly colored bollards with reflective coatings can reduce accidents in dark places by up to 30%. Training the crew in the correct use of mooring lines can reduce errors by up to 40%.Buying certified bollards and keeping them in good condition saves money and time. Whether you have a small boat or a large semi-submersible, quality and safety are key. Adding Henger’s Fenders systems and Ship Bollards to your system improves the performance of your bollards. This ensures that everything runs smoothly.
FAQ
A boat bollard is a strong, round structure made of cast iron, steel or concrete. It is used on docks and ships to hold them in place. It helps transfer the force of the boat to the dock, thus allowing for some movement caused by tides and wind.
Choosing the right bollard means considering the size of the vessel and the required mooring force. In addition, the weather and the needs of the harbor have to be considered. Talking to a bollard manufacturer can help you find the safest and most efficient bollard.
There are many different types of bollards, such as T-bollards, bollards and double bollards. They are made of materials such as iron, steel and aluminum. Some bollards are designed to be quick-released or floated to accommodate different marine uses.
Dock bollards require regular inspection. Check for wear and tear, corrosion and structural problems. An annual assessment is key to keeping them in good working order.
Use materials suitable for marine use, apply protective coatings, and clean frequently. In areas of severe corrosion, use anodes and maintain them well.
Decisions are made based on the extent of damage, safety, cost and downtime. Consulting a marine expert can help you make the right choice.