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Marine Civils by David Foxwell

New linkspan for Swedish port

01 Oct 2008

TTS Port Equipment is about to start building a new linkspan for the port of Ystad in the south of Sweden, due for handover in March 2009. Ystad is a significant port in Sweden because of its ferry links to Poland and to the Danish island of Bornholm, which can't easily be reached directly from Denmark, especially by passenger traffic. The port is being developed and extended, and the installation of the new linkspan is one of several important developments within the first phase, Stage 1A, of the so called Baltic Basin project.

TTS Port Equipment has been awarded a contract to build a new linkspan for the port of Ystad

The linkspan will be 25m wide and 14m long. Hydraulically operated, it will be able to be locked at levels ranging from seven degrees below horizontal to seven degrees above, so that it can accommodate as many different vessels as possible. Linkpsans such as the one that TTS will design are much more flexible and create more potential for traffic growth than conventional alternatives, such as concrete slopes. Design is under way, and manufacturing is expected to start in early autumn.

Following its design, supply and transportation of the linkspan earlier this year at the port of Rothesay, Scotland, TTS has also successfully installed and commissioned the pedestrian lifting bridge, completing the company's involvement in the Rothesay Pier Ferry Berth Improvement Project.

The 14m long bridge allows pedestrian access over the northern end of the pier which separates inner and outer harbours. The bridge hinges, with a counterbalance at the hinged end, and is operated with the use of two hydraulic cylinders located at each side. The ramp rests on a support in its horizontal position and is designed to be opened to a 75° angle to allow access for sea traffic.

The machinery cabinet, from where the bridge is operated, has been installed close by and includes both electrical and hydraulic equipment. Navigation signals for sea traffic are located by the bridge.

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