This is a considerable achievement, since most linkspans have to be tailor made for each port in order to address specific conditions such as tidal variations. Lloyd’s Register is currently the only classification society with regulations covering linkspans.

'In terms of rules and regulations, linkspans are something of a grey area between ship and dock, said Mikael Jimmerfors, technical manager at TTS Port Equipment AB. 'People writing purchasing specifications often use bridges and other shore based steel constructions as a point of reference.'

Following approval of the designs by Lloyd’s Register in London, the linkspan was built under TTS supervision in Poland. Lloyd’s Register inspected the linkspan throughout the building process, and then carried out the testing following installation.

The linkspan measures 29.5m long by 5.7m wide, with a width for vehicles of 4.5m. Its introduction anticipates the introduction of Argyle, one of a series of new vessels in operation on Cal Mac’s most frequented route between Rothesay and Wemyss Bay. The new vessels intended for the route have been designed with bow and stern ramps for use with parallel berth linkspans at both ends of the route.

The new linkspan features a slope to accommodate a variety of vessel ramp geometries, such as those of Coruisk and Bute, the ships that are currently in operation. A hinged flap at the front towards the vessel, also operated by hydraulic cylinders, means that vessels without ramps can use the linkspan, which will follow the vessel’s movements once positioned on the vessel shelf.