Intrinsically safe ShoreTension units arrive in Port of Taranaki


Last week 4 intrinsically safe ShoreTension units arrived in New Plymouth. This brings the total number of mooring systems in the Port of Taranaki to eight.
Quoted from stuff.co.nz – business day: Port Taranaki see third highest net profit in 12 years

Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper said the profit came on the back of increased productivity, aided in part by the ShoreTension mooring system.

“This new world class and market leading system is designed to safely moor vessels in all swell conditions and it has proven to be very successful,” Roper said. In the past, during long period waves ships would have to be sent out of the port until the swell had passed. The long period wave is a set of 10-30 centimeter swells spaced out around 300 meters that can cause havoc at the port. The spacing of the waves can create a pendulum-like rocking motion of the vessel, which can cause mooring lines to snap. Because of the success with the four units in operation at the port, another four would be installed by June this year. “It is a significant step forward for us as it has the potential to avoid expenditure of up to $20 million on breakwater extensions,” Roper said.

“The structural solution would reduce long period waves within the harbor. With ShoreTension operating we can achieve limit the need to exclude vessels.” While the operation of the ShoreTension units was more about ensuring customer service and reliability, Roper said it also meant the port could keep costs down as shipping lines would have no reason to charge a premium for a New Plymouth destination. Before the units were installed, the port sent up to eight per cent of vessels out to sea to wait for the long period waves to pass. This number dropped to less than two per cent after the units were in operation.