84% of port owners, operators and contractors said they would expect “increased safety” to be the primary benefit in specifying an automated system to monitor factors such as mooring line tension, approach speed and environmental conditions, according to a new independent market report by the marine systems business of Trelleborg.
However, the majority (60%) of those surveyed only uses human or manual guidance at their facilities both during initial docking and mooring, and to monitor environmental conditions as the vessel continues to berth.
Richard Hepworth, President of the marine systems business of Trelleborg , said: “Greater use of automation offers a significant opportunity to upgrade existing port facilities. Automated solutions that monitor mooring line tension, environmental conditions and speed of approach offer a chance to improve safety and boost operational efficiencies – and it seems the industry recognises these benefits.
“However, with over half of those we surveyed still only using human or manual guidance in docking and mooring – rather than enjoying the benefits of Docking Aid Systems (DAS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS), it appears many may be putting their facilities at risk of becoming antiquated. This begs the question: why are so many jeopardising their operations by ‘making do’ rather than upgrading to maximise efficiencies and improve safety?”
Overall, the specification of monitoring systems was perceived to be beneficial. Along with improved safety, respondents cited lower maintenance as a key advantage. Indeed, half of the industry stakeholders surveyed believing an increase in monitoring and automation to be beneficial to their job role.
Whilst positive about the benefits offered, less than 40% made use of laser Docking Aid Systems (DAS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) suggesting that, although the industry understands the benefits, stakeholders are not proactive in implementation.
Hepworth concludes: “The market is lagging behind the technology available. Whilst automated solutions are seen as beneficial, it’s clear there’s still work to be done to bring the technology fully into the port environment. In this increasingly pressurised world, surely these additional tools should offer welcome assistance?”
Trelleborg’s Barometer Report
Trelleborg, May 14, 2013