Smart Bollards installed at ECT Rotterdam

After a successful pilot, we installed six 100-ton Smart Bollards at the Hutchison Ports ECT terminal in the Port of Rotterdam. Earlier, one Smart Bollard was tested along the quay. This new installation now allows the Port of Rotterdam to measure mooring forces across an entire vessel.

Part of a wider digitalisation programme

The Smart Bollards form part of a broader set of measures by the Port of Rotterdam. The aim is clear: to improve safety and efficiency through digital technology.

Measuring mooring loads in real time

The Smart Bollards continuously measure the loads acting on mooring lines. Until now, ports often had to rely on safety margins and computer models. However, these methods do not always reflect real conditions. Accurate load data is especially important during bad weather. High waves, strong currents and wind can significantly increase mooring forces. If these forces become too high, mooring lines may fail. In that case, a vessel can break free from the quay, with serious consequences.

Better insight leads to safer operations

By using Smart Bollards, this risk is significantly reduced. The system provides a real-time overview of mooring loads and offers better insight into actual mooring behaviour. Through our MoorControl software, all data is clearly displayed and stored. As a result, terminal operators, port authorities and vessel owners have access to the same reliable information. Ultimately, this leads to safer operations and more efficient use of the port. Especially as vessels continue to grow in size and extreme weather occurs more frequently, accurate insight into mooring loads becomes essential.