Advanced Shore Based Mooring Using Vacuum Attachments with Active Control

PCCI, Inc. has teamed with Cavotec USA, Inc. to further the development of the Cavotec MoorMasterTM, an automated ship mooring mechanism, for application to US Navy ships at Navy piers and wharfs. This Team combines PCCI knowledge and expertise in the analysis, design and installation of traditional Navy ship moorings, and in the design of hull fitting cofferdams for the repair of a wide range of Navy ship classes, with the Cavotec MoormasterTM technical team which has been conducting research and development into advanced shore based moorings since 1997. In Phase I, the PCCI Team proposes to develop conceptual designs, to demonstrate how the patented MoorMasterTM system could be developed for use with ships in the U.S. Navy Fleet at existing Navy piers and wharfs for Mooring Service Types 1 and II (as defined in UFC 4-159-03). Our research will focus on newer Navy ship classes such as the DDG 1000, LCS, and NSSN; and on the FSF-1 which recently suffered fender damage at a shore mooring. The Phase I deliverable will include a design report with analyses and concept drawings indicating modifications to existing MoorMasterTM designs that would be required for use with Navy ships and facilities.