Common Ship Mooring Methods

Single-buoy or single-point mooring system: Generally, larger ships that cannot approach ports and wharves are moored at port boundaries or shelters, and cargo transshipment is carried out through single-point or single-buoy mooring. The basic principle of the buoy is to keep the position of the ship relative to the buoy stable, while allowing the ship to swing into the wind and sea. Usually there is a tug at the stern to fix the ship at a fixed distance and distance from the buoy. Position the buoy at the center of the four anchors connected to it and fix it. The vessel is quickly made into a buoy through a single chain or two lifebuoys fixed on the bow. Generally speaking, when approaching a single point or a single buoy mooring, the weather is the main criterion for determining whether to moor a vessel. The suppression of calm waters at low altitudes below 15 kts is considered to be conducive to measures. The occurrence of strong tidal current limits the time interval between berthing and berthing. The way forward is usually slow, and at the same time approach the buoy at a small angle, and then gradually drag it in the buoy messenger rope, and use the engine to kick the buoy at a short time interval to move slowly to control and maintain the buoy when the distance is about 150-200 meters. At that time, the mooring gondola was connected to the ship. In order to cancel the takeoff, the chain is released from the bow stop, and a short kick on the engine will cause the bow to spin the right-handed propeller to the starboard side, thereby clearing the vessel from the buoy. The assistance of the tugboat can also be prosecuted to withdraw the vessel and remove the buoy. Learn more about single point mooring here.

 Conventional buoy or multi-buoy mooring: In this method, the bow of the ship is fixed with two anchors, while the stern is fixed on the buoy. In this method, first, the vessel moves forward from an angle of 90 degrees to the final berthing position until its final berthing direction. Then, the starboard anchor point is first released at the determined location while the ship is making progress. The number of cables required is paid, and the rear wheel propulsion is also running at the same time to stop the ship. Once the ship stops in the mouth, the anchor point is released, and the ship places the stern along the centerline, branching the buoy. The port cable is aligned with the ship along this centerline, and the starboard cable undulates as it advances backward. Use the rudder and engine carefully during this maneuver to ensure that the stern swings any buoys. During the disassembly process, the anchor rope can move the ship forward and remove the heavy objects from the windward line while pushing other lines away to prevent the stern from swinging into another buoy. This operation requires skill and effective operation of the crew and mooring equipment, because the weight of the line can be huge.

Mediterranean mooring: For this type of mooring, engine motion is used to determine and approach a pre-calculated position. The bow is first tilted towards the berth, and the starboard anchor is placed in that position. After the engine is running, the port anchor is released at the designated location. The ship collapsed and swayed to starboard. Therefore, when the ship approaches the dock, the ship is fixed by two anchors. The stern line then passes. Use anchor cables to keep the fasteners tight. The positioning of the ship is such that about four shackles are completed on each anchor. Usually, the tide is used to control the drift of the ship to the dock, and at the same time to locate the ship by sinking or paying at one of the anchor points. Read more about the Mediterranean anchor here.