Mobile Wharf / Pontoon Design

Summary

Flow Tech Australia was commissioned to design and engineer a bespoke movable access platform to facilitate the safe transfer of passengers from small tender vessels to a 2.3-metre-high concrete shipping wharf.

Design Requirements

• Accommodate small cruise ship tender vessels (16m in length and 35 tonne displacement) with a low freeboard of around 90cm.
• Operate effectively across a 1.8 metre tidal range.
• To be mobilised or demobilised within 2 hours, allowing the wharf to remain available for alternative use.
• To utilise materials readily available within Vanuatu.

Calculations

• Berthing Load Calculations IAW with PIANC 2002 and AS-4997
• Mooring Loads for short term mooring during passenger transfer.
• Counterweight calculations to allow for vessel berthing forces, passenger transfers, as well as a reduced counterweight mass for pack up and transport.
• Deck load evaluations for passenger transfer.
• Structural calculations for the steel structure.
• Lock in safety pin back-ups for the winching mechanism.

Solution

The resulting solution was a counterweighted steel structure mounted on a movable frame. The platform height is adjusted using electric winches and a 2:1 pulley system, with UHMWPE sliding surfaces ensuring low-friction movement.

FlowTech also generated detailed production drawings to allowing local fabrication and assembly.

The final design delivers a robust, modular, and compliant solution tailored to the unique operational and environmental conditions of our client. It exemplifies Flow Tech Australia’s capability in delivering innovative maritime solutions, combining practical engineering with rigorous technical validation.