Trelleborg Marine Systems has supplied Qatargas with three of its parallel motion fender systems for a fast-track project with installation completed in just four days.
Carried out with specialist oil and gas contractor, Qatar Engineering and Construction Company WLL (Q-Con), the installation included two sets of dual SCN1000 cones behind each Parallel Motion Fender Structure.
Enabling berthing of much larger vessels
The project has enabled the global LNG supplier to upgrade an existing berthing structure, originally designed for vessels with a displacement of around 110,000 tonnes, to facilitate berthing of larger Q-Flex vessels with a displacement of about 150,000 tonnes.
Trelleborg’s parallel motion fender system was specified as it complemented the design of the existing jetty, raising its energy absorbency capacity and enabling it to facilitate the berthing of a much larger vessel, with increased weight.
60 per cent greater force absorbency
Paul Welling, general manager, Trelleborg Marine Systems FZE, explained: “ The existing jetties weren’t originally designed to take the berthing energy and related reaction forces associated with the larger Q-Flex vessel.
“ We recommended the parallel motion fender system as it can offer 60 per cent greater force absorbency than a conventional fender without raising the reaction force above the allowable level, which meant that the existing dock could be used for a much heavier vessel. ”
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Source: Trelleborg Marine Systems, March 11, 2011;