When is a Portable Docking Aid System a better choice than a permanent BAS/DAS?

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.

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.

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.

Where required by the project specification, safety-critical QRH should be capable of controlled release throughout the specified operating-load range, including the rated Safe Working Load (SWL). Verification should not rely solely on testing an individual hook component. The test approach should consider the actual load path, project design conditions and representative loaded scenarios.

The Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) should define the required proof-load testing, release testing, load-indication checks and functional tests. This enables EPC contractors and owners to understand clearly what has been verified before shipment.

GLEN quality-management process covers engineering review, design verification and load calculations, project quality planning, inspection and test planning, manufacturing quality control and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). FAT may include mechanical functional testing, system-integration verification, load or proof-load testing, alarm and control verification, communication and interface testing, software and HMI verification, and operational-condition simulation.

GLEN holds LR ISO 9001:2015 certification, BV classification certification, BV factory approval certification and QRH ATEX certification. These certifications provide supporting evidence of its quality-management system, manufacturing capability and relevant equipment-compliance capability.