What foundation and interface information does a civil designer need before finalizing the QRH layout?

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.

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.

Potentially, yes, subject to the outcome of a retrofit assessment. Many older terminals still have mechanical QRH that remain suitable for service, while PLC, HMI, communication hardware, load indicators and spare parts may be obsolete, discontinued or difficult to maintain. Before an upgrade, GLEN can assess whether the existing mechanical hooks remain suitable and whether the control system can be replaced independently.

Where the mechanical QRH remain serviceable, the upgrade may include a new PLC/HMI, remote release controls, mooring load monitoring, alarms, historical data recording, and communication with the terminal DCS or CMS. GLEN monitoring and control systems can centrally monitor QRH, BAS, EMS and MLMS, supporting equipment status monitoring, alarm management, historical records, remote monitoring and system diagnostics. The systems can also integrate with DCS, SSL, AIS and CCTV.

Before implementation, functional safety, release logic and sensor compatibility should be confirmed.