Can existing mechanical QRH be retained while the PLC, control system or load monitoring is upgraded?

During FEED, the Safe Working Load (SWL) and hook configuration of a Quick Release Mooring Hook (QRH) should be assessed against the project’s technical scope. Key inputs include mooring analysis results, maximum design line loads, mooring line Minimum Breaking Load (MBL), horizontal and vertical line angles, vessel range, terminal operating philosophy and applicable project specifications. Vessel deadweight tonnage alone should not be used as the final basis for selection.

The number of hooks per QRH unit should also reflect the mooring arrangement and the expected number of lines at each dolphin. Project teams can submit vessel data, mooring information, berth conditions and control-interface requirements to GLEN for technical review. Before the specification is finalized, preliminary requirements for SWL, hook quantity, capstan requirements, foundation loads and control interfaces can be defined.

GLEN product range includes QRH, berthing aid systems, mooring load monitoring, environmental monitoring, central monitoring and ship-to-shore link systems.

Before the QRH layout is finalized, the civil designer should obtain the preliminary equipment envelope, base dimensions, anchor-bolt arrangement, horizontal and vertical design reactions, maximum load directions, equipment weight and maintenance-clearance requirements. These data are required to assess foundation dimensions, anchoring conditions, structural loading and available installation space.

For integrated systems, provisions should also be made for local control panels, cable routes, cable entry points, operating access and maintenance access. Early exchange of this information can reduce the risk of redesign after equipment selection. GLEN can provide preliminary foundation and interface information during the engineering stage, with final certified loads and drawings issued after detailed design and project confirmation.

In some retrofit projects, an existing Quick Release Mooring Hook can be replaced without rebuilding the original foundation, subject to engineering verification. The review should consider the existing bolt layout, concrete foundation, load path, available installation space and original design capacity.

Where the foundation remains suitable, a customized base plate, adapter arrangement or revised anchoring solution may enable a new QRH to match the existing civil interface. This can reduce demolition work, berth downtime and installation costs. The final retrofit solution normally requires a site survey, original design drawings and operating-load information.

GLEN provides replacement services and technical support during installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance. This may include equipment-positioning guidance, preparation or update of IOM manuals, operator training, maintenance support, and technical and project support for retrofit work. Depending on the maintenance scope, inspections and functional testing may also be carried out before the equipment returns to service.

Reset refers to the method used to return a QRH to its operating position after release.

Manual reset relies primarily on direct operation by personnel and is suitable where the equipment can be accessed safely and manual handling meets project requirements.

Assisted reset uses a balancing or assistance mechanism to reduce the physical effort required, although personnel still complete the reset operation.

Powered reset uses hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuation to reset the hook, reducing manual intervention at the dolphin.

Automatic reset adds control logic to the powered-reset arrangement so that the reset sequence can be initiated under predefined conditions. Whether automatic reset is used should align with the project safety philosophy, operating permissions and control requirements.

The preferred reset method should be selected according to hook capacity, functional-test frequency, manpower, dolphin accessibility and the owner’s operating requirements. The operating sequence should be clearly defined in the project specification.

GLEN mooring and release systems include QRH, integrated mooring capstans and remote release control systems. QRH support manual and remote release, while the remote release system can support single-hook or group release, real-time hook-status feedback, and integration with CMS, PLC and ESD systems.