A recent study for Pilbara Iron's Cape Lambert Marine Division predicted wind and current loads, and associated mooring line loads, for a Cape size vessel at Cape Lambert.

The forces and moments on the berthed vessel induced by wind and current were predicted using published empirical formulae. This data, along with parameters associated with the mooring systems, were used as input to a mathematical model to compute loads in mooring lines. Led by AMC's Research Engineer, Jonathan Duffy, the study quantified mooring line loads for a series of existing and proposed mooring configurations. Predicted line loads for the proposed configurations were compared to those for the existing configurations to ascertain if the existing wharf mooring points are sufficient to accommodate the proposed mooring configuration. Conditions likely to cause line failure were identified, enabling Pilbara Iron to implement necessary precautions, reducing the likelihood of accidents and disruptions to loading operations.

Cape Lambert

Findings from the study have been summarised in a paper submitted to Coasts and Ports 2005 Conference, to be held in Adelaide 21 - 23 September 2005. The paper demonstrates AMC's capabilities to perform numerical prediction of mooring line loads and demonstrates Pilbara Iron's commitment to safety and productivity.