BollardScan© – Non-Destructive Testing for Mooring Bollards
The challenge
Mooring bollards are critical infrastructure in ports, yet their failure is becoming increasingly common. Over time, both bollards and their anchoring systems can loosen - often without any visible signs. Traditional visual inspections fall short, and load testing, while more thorough, can actually compromise the integrity of the bollard itself.
This presents a serious safety risk for port operations, where undetected weaknesses can lead to catastrophic failures during mooring.
The innovation
To address this challenge, we developed BollardScan©, a non-destructive testing method specifically designed for mooring bollards. It provides a fast, accurate, and safe way to assess the structural integrity of bollards and their anchoring systems - without causing any damage.
At the heart of BollardScan is vibration testing. The principle is simple: what goes in must come out. By exciting the bollard with a calibrated force and measuring the resulting vibrations, we can detect internal weaknesses and anchoring issues that are invisible to the naked eye.
How it works
- A calibrated rubber-tipped hammer delivers a controlled force (10kN for bollards up to 100T SWL, 15kN for larger).
- Accelerometers measure the resulting vibrations in three directions—0°, 90°, and 270°—aligned with typical mooring line angles.
- Sensors are strategically placed on the bollard to capture accurate data from both seaward and landward sides, as well as the baseplate.
- The data is analysed to assess the condition of both the bollard and its anchoring system.
The result is a comprehensive report that reflects the current state of each tested bollard, with actionable insights for maintenance and operational planning.
Case study
Since its launch in 2016, BollardScan has been used to test over 10,000 bollards worldwide. The system has been independently verified by Vienna Consulting Engineers and Lloyd’s Register, and is now delivered by certified agents in multiple countries.
- ~1% failure rate detected
- ~10% identified for corrective maintenance
- ~89% pass rate, with certified assurance for 3 years
Potential impact
BollardScan is transforming how ports manage mooring safety:
- Reduces risk of unexpected bollard failure
- Eliminates the need for destructive testing
- Improves operational planning with clear, data-driven reports
- Raises awareness of proper bollard use among mooring personnel
- Date
- 22/07/2025
