Cone Fender Systems at Gladstone Biomass

Project Overview:

Case Study: Enhancing Maritime Safety at Gladstone Biomass Quay
Project: Gladstone Biomass Quay
Location: Gladstone Dock, Port of Liverpool
Date: 2022

The Challenge: Designing for Scale and Longevity

The Gladstone Biomass Quay required a robust fender solution capable of accommodating large vessels up to 82,000T DWT. While these berthing maneuvers are typically tug-assisted, the infrastructure needed to be resilient enough to handle quarter-point berthing independently. The project called for a 2M standoff to ensure safe clearance between the vessels and the quay wall during biomass offloading operations.

The DockGuard Solution

DockGuard provided a commercial proposal specifically engineered to maximize durability and minimize long-term maintenance costs. Instead of simply “packing out” the required standoff with steel or polyethylene spacers, DockGuard’s technical team proposed a more sophisticated engineering approach.

Key System Components:

DCN1400 Rubber Cone Fenders: 15 High-performance units featuring integrated steel spacers
Heavy Duty Steel Panels: Large Fabricated Watertight Panels
UHMW-PE Face Pads: Dual-Coloured (Black and Yellow) 1000-grade low friction face pads.
Dual-Chain Support System: Each assembly includes both tension/shear chain assemblies and weight chain assemblies with adjusters to maintain optimal fender positioning.

Innovation in Design

By opting for a larger rubber fender rather than excessive steel packing, DockGuard ensured the system remains under-utilized during standard operations. This strategic design choice offers two significant benefits to the customer

Future-Proofing: The quay is now capable of absorbing energy from even larger vessels should requirements evolve.
Reduced Maintenance: Operating the fenders well within their capacity significantly extends the service life and reduces the need for repairs over a projected 20-year period.