SmartDock® Docking Aid System
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SmartDock® Docking Aid System video
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A Docking Aid System (DAS) is a tool used by jetty operators and marine pilots during vessel docking. The primary benefit of Harbour Marine's SmartDock® DAS is the provision of real time data of the vessel's position and progress relative to the jetty by measuring distance from the jetty and speed of approach in the critical 0 to 300 meters zone. With this data the vessel's Master and Pilot can better direct tug and shipboard personnel in the safe maneuvering of the vessel towards the jetty and minimize any potential for damage to the berth or ship.
Vessel docking using DAS
SmartDock® uses two laser sensors located on the jetty measuring distance to bow and stern sections of the ship. This together with average speed are captured at the jetty control unit and displayed to the ship and mooring crew on wireless monitor, computer screen or jetty mounted display board, as required. Laser sensors are the most reliable technology employed for vessel docking and operate very effectively in poor visibility and heavy rain. They are certified for Class 1 Zone 1 hazardous locations and are eye-safe to FDA Class 1, the safest class.
Harbour Marine's SmartDock® DAS employs the latest hardware and instrumentation technology in a package available either as a stand-alone system or for integrating with other monitoring such as mooring load monitoring and environmental sensing (Integrated Vessel Monitoring Systems).
The basic SmartDock® system components
- Two jetty mounted laser sensors which may be fixed on the jetty head or provided on elevators. Single phase power supply is required to each sensor and communications cabling interconnects each with the monitoring unit which is usually located within the control room.
- Jetty controller/interface which can be located indoors or on the jetty.
- Computer workstation to monitor, display and record information of the control room.
- Optional handheld monitor, certified intrinsically safe, provides constant update of docking information to mooring/shipboard personnel.
- Optional large jetty mounted display board visible from the vessel's bridge to display speed of approach, distance from jetty and optional angle.
- Speed warning indication lights — may be totally independent or integral with the large display board.
- Optional jetty remote indicator — displays basic docking information locally.
Laser sensor installed on elevator system to accomodate high/low tidal range, Korea
Vessel drift-warning monitoring
Following mooring of the vessel, the docking system can be switched to drift-warning mode. Should the vessel drift away from the fenders over a predetermined distance, appropriate alarms will be raised to notify both jetty and vessel based personnel.
SmartDock® DAS Screen
SmartDock® DAS screen for an LNG vessel
- Docking speed, distance and angle is captured and displayed for the jetty operator and the vessel's Master or Pilot.
- Docking information is continuously recorded allowing ‘hard docking' events to be analysed should jetty, fenders or the vessel hull sustain damage.
- Following docking, system provides warning in case of vessel drift from fenders.
Elevators for docking sensors
For jetties subject to large variation in tide and vessel hull profiles, Harbour Marine have developed an elevator which allows the docking sensor to adjust its elevation as the tide level changes so that the vessel's hull can be detected during docking and later for drift-off monitoring. The elevator has no submerged components.
Harbour Marine will design the most cost effective docking system using our SmartDock® approach to suit either new or existing jetties. We can also recommend optimum:
- Location, separation and elevation of sensors for the range of vessels to be monitored.
- Location and orientation of the jetty mounted display board considering the range of vessels and their bridge elevation.
- Operating system to suit the particular requirements, which may be freestanding or integrated.
SmartDock® Software Features
- Docking screens are designed to provide maximum visual impact, essential during docking operations. Operators can quickly view the vessel approach speed and distance.
- Bold distance and speed indicators with color-coded alarm status provide instant warning of speed violations.
- Speed alarms are zoned into bands at varying approach distances.
- Docking Approach graph shows vessel approach speed and distance.
- Reports can be generated from the vessel history or by date and time.
- Report criteria is user selectable
- Reports can be previewed on screen prior to printing.
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