Port of Tyne tests the water
In its search for a solution for safely testing the efficacy of its mooring bollards, the UK’s Port of Tyne has found what it calls a “revolutionary” new product.
The Bollard Load Test (BLT) has been developed by Tyne and Wear Marine Ltd (TWM) and offers a safe method of testing marine mooring bollards – something which has not existed in the past, other than ‘one-offs’ where testing involved the use of tugs pulling against a bollard.
Mike Nicholson, Harbour Master, Port of Tyne Harbour, told Port Strategy: “When we first looked into physical non-destructive testing of shore mooring bollards we were surprised to find that there were no suitable devices in the market-place. We approached the engineering team at Tyne & Wear Marine and from an initial concept sketch they have now developed a fully functioning, calibrated, safe and easily deployable system.”
Since 1992, cruise liners, for example, have quadrupled in size yet the supporting infrastructure has not kept pace. Accidents have resulted in multi-million pound damage to vessels and have put lives at risk.
Now, TWM is looking to develop a Service Division to implement legislation to certify the performance ratings of bollards, which it says could reduce ports’ insurance premiums and assure a safe stay to owners of larger vessels.
“We have been extremely impressed with the results of the first successful trial and we are now ready to roll out a regular testing regime. We are confident that it will help guard against future bollard failures and provide greater safety and security for ships at our berths,” added Mr Nicholson.
TWM has just entered full production on the new device and, following certification by Nobel Denton and approval from Port of Tyne and its Harbour Master, has launched it to the marketplace. It’s looking for international partners to rollout the BLT service.
“This a very exciting time. Through Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) support and funding and the ability to introduce expertise through Ade Walton [an international business consultant who helped with the development process], TWM now recognises the value of what is produced,” concluded Jeff Main, managing director, TWM.
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