Mooring bollards are integral in any mooring system for offshore structures. These are used to secure mooring lines, and to prevent the vessels from drifting from their anchored location. Bollards may be formed into different types, depending on the use of the bollards, and what type of vessel would be anchored to it.

Some common types of mooring bollards are T-head bollards, kidney bollards, Japanese T-head bollards, and pillar bollards. These types may also be cast using different steel grades and shall depend on the design loads that the bollards would resist during its useful life.

YSmarines has a wide range of options to ensure we provide solutions to every application, each type suitable for different uses and loads. Mooring bollards are a vital component of any mooring system. It is the anchor point for mooring lines mounted on the deck to secure the ship or vessel.

Testing For Mooring Facilities

Mooring facilities testing procedures are carried out to ensure the correct design load capacities of the components.

1. To establish adequacy of mooring facilities.

2. Enable facility users to develop efficient berthing plans

3. Establish baseline data on existing mooring hardware and berthing capacity

4. Provide facility users with information sufficient to determine the level of effort necessary to maintain or upgrade existing capacity

To ensure the safety and efficient performance of the mooring bollards, you need to guarantee that they are in good working condition to use in daily mooring operations.

Due to their exposure to seawater, they are at high risk of corrosion which can significantly affect their service life. It is crucial to perform routine maintenance to extend the service life and reduce the possible damages to the installed mooring bollards.

How To Maintain a Mooring Bollard

Bollards are constantly exposed to the elements and the corrosive effect of sea splashes.

Although they are low-maintenance equipment, it's essential to conduct periodic inspections. These should include examining the following:

Surface inspection for scratches/damage to paint and corrosion of the materials.

Compare barrel thickness with manufacturer specifications.

Check with a torque wrench that all the anchor bolts are sufficiently tight.

Ensure anchor bolts are adequately coated and corrosion free

Inspect grout under bollard and replace if necessary.

A quarterly assessment should be performed in cases with recognizable irregular behaviors. A relevant corrective action should be taken to maintain its required performance.

Any chips or cracks in the paint should be repaired immediately to prevent corrosion from forming. Cast steel is particularly susceptible to corrosion.

For more information, you can visit the article of everything about mooring bollards.