TTS completes Loch Ryan Port infrastructure
TTS has completed work on the infrastructure of Stena Line’s new state-of-the-art, purpose-built port, located ten kilometres 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 RoPax 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.
“Stena works extensively with TTS throughout Sweden, Belfast and now Loch Ryan,” said Ian Thompson, senior chief engineer at Stena Line. “It’s a good working relationship and we use their expertise in many aspects of our operation.
“The automatic moorings are a way forward for mooring vessels with speed and it will help us with our turnaround speed immensely.”
The new port will be opened by Dan Sten Olsson, chairman of Stena Line, along with first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuiness on Friday 25 November.
About TTS
TTS Group ASA is an international organisation that develops and supplies handling equipment for ships, ports and offshore oil and gas installations. Operations are organised into three divisions: Marine, Energy, and Port and Logistics. TTS Group is among the world’s leading suppliers within its market segments.
TTS has around 1,500 employees (including associated companies), with a primary emphasis on engineering skills. The Group has a total of 26 operative units in 14 countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, China, USA, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam and Singapore.
The organisation’s head office is located in Bergen, Norway, and the company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
About TTS Port and Logistics
TTS Port and Logistics division designs and supplies systems and equipment for the world’s ports, terminals, and shipyards. Products include: container terminal technology for horizontal transport; RoRo terminal transport and handling systems; ship to shore transit systems; automatic mooring units; shipyard production systems; heavy load handling; and handling systems for industrial fabrication.