TTS completes Loch Ryan Port infrastructure
TTS was responsible for the entire ship to shore interface for the new port.
TTS has completed work on the infrastructure for Stena Line’s purpose built port, located 10km north of its previous location in Stranraer, Scotland.
The contract, which was signed at the end of 2009, was to design and implement the entire ship to shore interface for the port, including linkspans, stop fenders, auto-moorings and an elevated walkway.
“The operation has gone very well, said Mikael Jimmerfors, contracts manager for TTS Port Equipment. “We used a fully automated mooring system which is installed along the pier, comprising two auto-mooring devices, each consisting of a vertical moving unit and two hydraulic cylinders to create the mooring force.”
The adjustable upper and lower deck linkspans have been designed for use by a variety of ro-pax vessels using a stern approach, with the option of bow approach also facilitated by the flexible solution. Both linkspans will be operated by means of hydraulic cylinders housed in fixed towers, one each side of the linkspans.
“It’s a very, very flexible system, which dramatically decreases turnaround times, Jimmerfors added. “This was a key ingredient for Stena Line and something we have ensured throughout the process, right from the beginning.”
The operation, also took into consideration work needed in Belfast, including vessel ramps and layout design, as well as shore adjustments to ensure that all ship to shore activity could be properly accommodated. While a new flexible walkway was installed, similar to the one at Loch Ryan, TTS also equipped the berth with a stop fender for bow approach and a semi-automated stern mooring to adapt the vessels’ mooring at the short quay.
Meanwhile, the new port at Loch Ryan, which will handle the largest ships ever to sail between Scotland and Northern Ireland, is part of a £200m rolling investment programme by Stena Line, including the development of the new port in Belfast, which opened in 2008.
Ian Thompson, senior chief engineer at Stena Line said, “The automatic moorings are a way forward for mooring vessels with speed and it will help us with our turnaround speed immensely.”
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