TTS has been chosen by Stena Line B.V. to deliver adjustable upper- and lower-deck linkspans at Hoek van Holland to serve two new vessels now building at AkerYards, Germany
TTS has been chosen by Stena Line B.V. to deliver adjustable upper- and lower-deck linkspans at Hoek van Holland to serve two new vessels now building at AkerYards, Germany, as a replacement for the two vessels currently serving the Hoek van Holland to Harwich route, Stena Hollandica and Stena Britannica. The project, which will maximise the efficiency of the vessels, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009.
“Fast loading and unloading times are central to the project brief, and that will bring number of operational and environmental efficiencies,” said Pim de Lange, Area Director for Stena Line. “Minimising time spent in harbour allows the vessels more time at sea. Sailing at lower speeds, thus using less fuel, will help minimise business costs as well as being environmentally sound.”
The new vessels will be the world’s largest RoPax ferries, at 240 metres long with 5,500 lane metres each, and will increase the number of vehicles carried by more than 30%. The current vessels, Stena Hollandica and Stena Britannica, have themselves recently been lengthened to a capacity of 4,100 lane metres each.
The installation itself will be done quickly, enabling port operation to continue as usual. “TTS will upgrade the lower linkspan in a very short timeframe, minimizing interference to the vessel’s operating schedule,” said de Lange. “This is crucial, as it guarantees low effect to our business.”
The success of the interface between the linkspan and vessel is the key to ensuring optimum traffic flow, thereby minimising environmental impact. Taking environmental concerns further, the upper deck linkspan will be designed by means of several special solutions to reduce and dampen noise levels in its operation; an important consideration as the structure lies close to residential housing.
Lower-deck linkspan
The lower-deck linkspan is an existing installation, which TTS will convert to operate via hydraulic cylinders. The portal’s current counterweight and wire system, which is driven by motors, will be replaced with towers equipped with hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the linkspan, and locking the ramp in the various required positions.
Manual operation mode will enable operators to set the level of the lower-deck linkspan according to draught and water level. Once activated, the linkspan will automatically lock at the set level. Operation can also be set to automatic mode such that the lower-deck linkspan follows the tidal variation and vessel movement during the harbour stop.
Upper-deck linkspan
The upper-deck linkspan will be a new structure positioned in alignment with the centreline of the new vessels, with the access ramps placed beside the lower deck linkspan at quay level. This adjustable ramp will be elevated using the hydraulic cylinders built into the towers of the lower-deck linkspan. The lifting ramp, also operated by hydraulic cylinders, will be rest on the vessel.
For more details, contact:
Håkan Jönsson
TTS Port Equipment AB
Tel: +46 31 725 79 00
E-mail: info@tts-port.se