US NAVY'S - Incat

Improvements in berthing arrangements can result in quicker
docking times and therefore improve the in-port turnaround
time. This would allow the craft to sail on time (or even early)
and therefore be in a position to exercise fuel savings during
the voyage.
Some improvements to linkspan or stern ramp arrangements to
increase traffic flow might be possible and these would come at
a cost. If berths are rented or leased then there may be some
understandable reluctance for operators to improve someone
else’s infrastructure unless the owner comes to the party. Like all
things the costs involved need to be weighed against benefit
and efficiency savings.
Some minor improvements in the berth and loading arrangements
can often be made at minimal cost. More often than not things
are done the same old way as a matter of habit and procedures
are seldom reviewed.
A review of procedures might indicate for example that a
change in the car park layout or the order of vehicle loading
might shorten turnaround times.
• Are all the bollards in the optimum position for the expeditious
securing of the craft
• Would the installation of an additional bollard in a more
advantageous position be warranted
• Are the bollards conspicuously numbered or painted in order
to assist in ready recognition by the shore staff
• Are fixed lines attached to bollards that can be easily passed
to the craft
The above are measures generally adopted by a lot of
operators, however the Incat experience is that not all have
implemented such measures.
Automatic docking aids come in various shapes and sizes and
of course expense. They are worth investigating however and
their cost compared to any cost saving measures that may
result. Indeed many ships use such devices and can berth/
unberth without the requirement for crew attendance/shore
staff attendance and berthing lines.
In the end, like all of the issues in this article, the final decision will
be a commercially based deliberation. This should not however
detract from review of procedures and the investigation of
efficiency saving measures. All avenues should be explored.
The Right Berth for the Job
Captain Mike Jackson
10 Incat THE Magazine Issue 36