Port of Trelleborg, Scandinavia’s largest RoRo port and the shortest route to the European continent, is currently undergoing an expansion and relocation project towards the Southeast. The construction of berths 11 and 12 will move ferry traffic away from the central area of Trelleborg, providing significant environmental benefits. Once completed, the port will be able to safely accommodate vessels up to 240 meters in length.
During peak season, passenger and RoRo ferries use the berths extremely frequently, creating a significant requirement for high performance fenders and durable designs. Thus, working in partnership with PEAB, ShibataFenderTeam designed and delivered 12 sets of Pile Fender Systems, each of them consisting of two Element Fender (FE 1,450-by-1,000 mm, G3.1) and one exceptionally large closed box panel (2,620-by- 13,315 mm).
Pile Fender systems are always special, uniquely designed for each project to cover all the individual vessels and berthing requirements.
- line load impacts over the entire length of the panel—as the ferries are equipped with beltings— developing a customized 13,315-mm-long, one piece steel panel designed to withstand them. Using the correct load cases for the panel calculations is crucial because otherwise, considerable deformation or damages to the panels can occur. The large size came with a significant weight: ach panel weighs 15 tons.
- the high stability and resistance to shear forces that Pile Fenders needed to offer due to the side berthing requirements. To ensure reliability and optimal performance, the customized design incorporate not only tension chains but also shear chains into the fender system.
Finally, logistical challenges arose due to the panels’ dimensions and weight which our sales and logistics teams thoroughly addressed to ensure that the different items were delivered on time. Port of Trelleborg’s new berths aim to reduce maneuvering time and improve vessel safety at this major Scandinavian port.
