OilOnline Manager posted on 12/16/2009
TTS has signed the contract to deliver an upper deck linkspan to be used in conjunction with two new Stena Line vessels at Harwich International Port. The new linkspan, serving Berth 2, will facilitate double-deck operations, providing upper level access to the RoPax ferries each with the newly specified capacity to load and discharge vehicles from an upper deck over the bow.
"The TTS proposal comprises a new structure supported by dolphins which have been specified to maximise safety and stability, being completely separate from the existing pontoon", said Håkan Jönsson vice president Sales at TTS Port Equipment.
The entire ramp will operate as two parts; one adjustable, the other lifting. The adjustable portion will be elevated by means of hydraulic cylinders built into an arched support structure, while the free-floating lifting ramp will be hinged to the adjustable ramp and will rest on the vessel deck when deployed. There will also be modifications to the seaward nose of the existing pontoon to improve vehicle transitions.
The linkspan project will maximise the efficiency of the new Stena vessels, significantly reducing loading and unloading times. The vessels will be the world's largest RoPax ferries, at 240 metres long with 5,500 lane metres each, and have been built to increase the number of vehicles carried by more than 30 per cent.
The linkspan installation is to be performed first half of 2010 and forms part of Harwich International Port's multi-million pound investment in delivering upgraded facilities for RoRo vessels.
