This Automated Mooring System Could Replace Dock Workers

A groundbreaking development in maritime technology could soon eliminate the need for human workers to moor autonomous, uncrewed ships when they arrive at port. This is made possible by a new automated suction-based mooring system, designed by Dr. Yongjin Kim and his team at The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM).

The system presents a modern solution to the traditional method of securing ships, which typically involves a team of workers manually tying thick ropes, known as mooring lines, to the ship and pier. Even though autonomous ships are already being tested for navigation and sailing, human labor is still required at the crucial moment of docking to secure the vessel. The new system aims to streamline this process, potentially transforming how autonomous ships dock at ports.

The system works by utilizing advanced technology to automatically moor ships without human intervention. The process begins when a tugboat guides the vessel into the harbor, where it comes to a stop against a row of fenders along the side of the pier. These fenders act as shock-absorbing bumpers that cushion the impact of the ship as it docks. Once the ship is in position, the mooring system kicks into action. A steel pad extends from the pier-side mooring module, and multiple such modules are spaced along the length of the vessel to ensure a secure attachment.

The steel pad is equipped with an array of rubber suction cups that are designed to press against the ship’s hull. When the cups make contact with the hull, an integrated hydraulic system activates, creating a vacuum inside each suction cup. This vacuum forms a strong bond between the pad and the ship’s surface, effectively securing the vessel in place. The hydraulic system not only applies the vacuum but also adjusts the pad’s position both vertically and horizontally, allowing it to adapt to the angle of the ship’s hull. This adjustability ensures that the mooring system maintains a secure grip regardless of changes in the ship’s positioning due to rising and falling tides.

To ensure the suction cups stay firmly attached throughout the docking process, the hydraulic system automatically reapplies the vacuum once every hour. This ensures that the vessel remains safely moored without the need for manual adjustments. When the time comes for the ship to leave, the system releases the vacuum, retracting the pad from the ship’s hull, and the vessel can depart without any human intervention.

One of the key advantages of this automated system is its ability to be deployed in environments where fully- or partially-automated piers are in use, making it ideal for future smart ports. In addition to reducing the need for human labor, the system also aims to improve the safety and efficiency of docking operations. According to Dr. Kim, this innovation represents a major advancement in the safe docking of autonomous vessels, which are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in the future of the maritime industry. He believes that the system will set a new standard in operational safety and efficiency, particularly as autonomous shipping becomes more common.

Testing for the automated mooring system is planned to begin in the coming year, with commercialization expected to follow soon after. Once fully operational, the system could significantly enhance the functionality of smart port infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient method for docking autonomous vessels.

Source: KIMM