HSS LINKSPAN RESTRAINT SYSTEM

2 complete systems for port and starboard sides.
2 x Hydraulic power units.
20 x Hydraulic cylinders.
76.2 kW of installed power.
4 Main pumps, running and standby.
210 L/min/pump.
Specially containerised for transportation and installation.
Design for the environment incl full stainless steel pipe installation.

Overview

The linkspan is an innovative device that locks a ship’s stern onto the berth without the use of mooring ropes. Originally, the linkspan was hinged to the shore and floated freely at the seaward end once the vessel had departed.

Over time, this movement caused excessive wear on the unit, creating the need for a solution that could hold the linkspan securely in position and help ensure its long-term service life.

Working together with Royal Haskoning, IMH developed an innovative linkspan restraint system designed to overcome this problem and provide greater control over the position of the linkspan.

The Linkspan Engineering Challenge

The primary challenge was to develop a system capable of securely restraining the linkspan when a vessel was not present, reducing the excessive movement and associated wear experienced by the original arrangement.

The solution also needed to accommodate different operating conditions, including both normal and storm positions.

Given the marine environment, the ferry linkspan hydraulics also needed to provide a robust and reliable solution suitable for long-term operation at the port.

Designing the Hydraulic Linkspan System

IMH provided the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of the complete hydraulic linkspan system.

Two complete systems were developed for the port and starboard sides, incorporating two hydraulic power units and 20 hydraulic cylinders.

The system provided 76.2 kW of installed power and incorporated four main pumps in running and standby configurations, with each pump providing a flow rate of 210 L/min.

The hydraulic equipment was specially containerised to support transportation and installation, while full stainless steel pipework installation was used to meet the requirements of the marine environment.

Normal and Storm Restraint Positions

A key feature of the new linkspan restraint system was its ability to accommodate both normal and storm positions.

This enabled the linkspan to be held in the appropriate position according to operating and environmental conditions, addressing the excessive wear associated with allowing the seaward end to float freely when vessels departed.

The complete system was designed and built in accordance with Lloyds classification requirements for linkspans.

Project Outcome

The completed hydraulic restraint system successfully addressed the operational issues associated with the original linkspan arrangement and enabled the linkspan hinge pins to be successfully replaced.

By combining hydraulic power units, cylinders, stainless steel pipework and dedicated normal and storm operating positions, IMH delivered a complete solution designed to support the long-term operation of the linkspan.

“Now that the new linkspan restraint system is operational and linkspan hinge pins have been successfully replaced, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the hard work put in by your team. The project was particularly complex and your contribution to the project was greatly appreciated. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with you again.”

Jonathan Tyler, Maritime Group Director, Royal Haskoning