Smart Bollard

What is a Smart Bollard?

A Smart Bollard is a technologically advanced version of the traditional bollard used in shipping and dock settings. Distinct from the standard dock bollards, the Smart Bollard is affixed permanently on quays. Its unique capability lies in its ability to measure the loads on the mooring lines of a ship bollard, translating the structural movement induced by the tension of these lines. This data then becomes accessible to the port authority, terminal operator, or even the vessel itself, catering to all seagoing vessels including container and bulk carriers. 

Why a Smart Bollard?

In the past, accurately measuring the load on mooring lines was a challenge. This often meant ports had to work with presumed maximum mooring loads. Especially in tumultuous conditions with high waves, powerful currents, or gusty winds, understanding the exact loads on these lines becomes crucial. An overburdened mooring line can snap, causing the vessel to disengage from the quay, potentially leading to severe mishaps. 

Enter the Smart Bollard, a game-changer for ship mooring bollards. This bollard dock innovation enhances safety by offering real-time insights into mooring forces, providing port authorities and terminal operators with a clear understanding of the loads on the mooring lines. With its advanced MoorControl software, a comprehensive overview of these forces is available to stakeholders, making port operations more efficient. As vessels grow in size and weather events become increasingly unpredictable, a clearer insight into mooring loads becomes paramount. 

Monitoring the data from Smart Bollards can streamline port operations and curtail unsafe situations while vessels are docked.

An interactive dashboard displays and archives crucial information such as: 

• Load on the bollard 
• Direction and angle of the line 
• Tide level 
• Weather conditions 
• Vessel's history (sourced from AIS data) 

System administrators can conveniently add users, set alarms, and through a provided API, integrate this data into other platforms. 

Benefits of the Smart Bollard

The Smart Bollard offers a range of benefits: 

• Enhanced Safety: Real-time load monitoring and predictive force analysis ensure heightened safety for operators and assets. 
• Efficiency: The bollard offers a comprehensive view of mooring forces across varied conditions, streamlining vessel movements. 
• Infrastructure Insights: Understand the capacities of quays better, potentially accommodating larger vessels. 
• Resource Allocation: Data-driven insights can reduce reliance on expensive resources such as tugs. 
• Long-Term Analysis: The accumulated data can be invaluable for port enhancements, refining operations and processes continually.