Faster turnaround

Hamworthy KSE is developing a new system for loading and unloading roro vessels called IPSI. The system is based on the roro operation of containers loaded on cassettes as well as normal trailers. GPS controlled automated guided vehicles will manoeuvre the cassettes to locate them within a system of kerbed storage channels on the deck. Each channel can accommodate approximately 40 containers and a lashing system secures the cassettes to the kerb, removing the need for manual lashing which cuts loading/unloading times by a factor of five or more, says Hamworthy.

Dutch owner Wagenburg has ordered three ferries implementing aspects of the IPSI system from the German Flenderwerft yard for deployment on the Gothenburg to Zeebrugge route. The ships will feature two-level stern loading and will provide an opportunity for testing the kerb and lashing systems, says Hamworthy.

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