Linkspan Locks Modifications
Linkspan locks
The HSS" Stena Explorer" is held in its berthing position by a LINKSPAN, a revolutionary device that locks the ship stern onto the berth without the use of any (traditional) mooring ropes. Basically the linkspan is akin to a castle drawbridge (pivoted on the shore) which drops down, operated by hydraulic rams, so that its dagger pin (on its seaward face) locks into a recess at the stern of the ship. Once held by the locking pin, a mechanical locking plate then extends from the East & West corner of the linkspan and makes fast to a post on the port & starboard quarter (aft corners) of the ship. This system holds the ship firmly in place and has worked without a problem since the ship was introduced in April 1996.
Linkspan modification
132.85 KB
Once the ferry has departed the linkspan is designed to float freely in the water at the seaward end, supported by a submerged buoyancy unit, whilst remaining hinged to the shore at the landward end. Over a period of time this has, unfortunately, proved to have caused excessive wear and tear on the unit. The answer has been to restrengthen the underneath girders of the linkspan and to install a pair of spragging devices to avoid further unnecessary usage. This consists basically of installing a pair of piles on either side of the linkspan (January 2002) followed by a pair of locking devices (one each side) on the heads of the piles (February 2003). At present the spragging unit is being commissioned (hydraulic works-electrical power supply) and (very shortly) once the ship departs the linkspan will be lifted, and held clear of the water, until the ferry returns.
Guided into place by ancient boathook
178.96 KB
Advantage was taken of the ferry off -service period in 2002 for the driving of the piles, 2003 for the installation of the spragging units and 2004 will see the renewal of the linkspan pins. Conventional ships have a service life of 20 -25 years, the HSS is the largest fastest ferry in the world, being no less than a prototype - and its designer stated that it Could have perhaps up to 40 years of a service life!
Lowering lock on to piles
182.32 KB
The HSS" Stena Explorer" is held in its berthing position by a LINKSPAN, a revolutionary device that locks the ship stern onto the berth without the use of any (traditional) mooring ropes. Basically the linkspan is akin to a castle drawbridge (pivoted on the shore) which drops down, operated by hydraulic rams, so that its dagger pin (on its seaward face) locks into a recess at the stern of the ship. Once held by the locking pin, a mechanical locking plate then extends from the East & West corner of the linkspan and makes fast to a post on the port & starboard quarter (aft corners) of the ship. This system holds the ship firmly in place and has worked without a problem since the ship was introduced in April 1996.
Mersey mammoth lifting one of the locks from the shore
130.02 KB
Once the ferry has departed the linkspan is designed to float freely in the water at the seaward end, supported by a submerged buoyancy unit, whilst remaining hinged to the shore at the landward end. Over a period of time this has, unfortunately, proved to have caused excessive wear and tear on the unit. The answer has been to restrengthen the underneath girders of the linkspan and to install a pair of spragging devices to avoid further unnecessary usage. This consists basically of installing a pair of piles on either side of the linkspan (January 2002) followed by a pair of locking devices (one each side) on the heads of the piles (February 2003). At present the spragging unit is being commissioned (hydraulic works-electrical power supply) and (very shortly) once the ship departs the linkspan will be lifted, and held clear of the water, until the ferry returns.
Showing piles that locks will sit on
171.27 KB
Advantage was taken of the ferry off -service period in 2002 for the driving of the piles, 2003 for the installation of the spragging units and 2004 will see the renewal of the linkspan pins. Conventional ships have a service life of 20 -25 years, the HSS is the largest fastest ferry in the world, being no less than a prototype - and its designer stated that it could have perhaps up to 40 years of a service life!
Linkspan Modifications
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