Terminal mooring bollard

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Overview
From assumptions to real mooring data. Traditional bollards do not measure loads. The Straatman Smart Bollard continuously measures mooring loads and the direction of mooring lines beneath the bollard and provides real-time data for monitoring and operational insight.

Realtime insight
A Straatman Smart Bollard looks like a standard dock bollard but measures mooring forces below the surface and reports continuous load and angle so ports, terminals and vessel operators can detect unsafe loads early, respond faster and base decisions on measured data rather than assumptions.

MoorControl platform

• Displays and logs load on the mooring line
• Line direction and angle
• Tide level
• Weather conditions
• Vessel history (AIS data)

Data connection
The Smart Bollard supports Ethernet and wireless communications. With Ethernet a compact switchbox sends data to the cloud; wireless installations use a local gateway. All data is processed securely in the cloud and available via the MoorControl online portal. A standard API allows integration with port systems.

Installation and adoption
The Smart Bollard can be installed on new quays or retrofitted to existing anchor bolts. It was developed in cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam and deployed at locations including ECT Delta Terminal, Prinses Amaliahaven (Rotterdam), the Port of Antwerp and the MSC Terminal in Valencia.

Benefits

• Improved safety: early detection of unsafe line loads to prevent incidents
• Lower operational costs: reduce unnecessary tug assistance and unplanned interventions
• More efficient port operations: decisions based on actual mooring data
• Valuable long-term data: insight into mooring behaviour, quay capacity and vessel impact

Recognised for innovation
Straatman’s Smart Bollard received the Innovation in Safety Award at the ICHCA / TT Club event in London in 2025, recognising the impact of real-time mooring load monitoring on port safety.

Key operational notes (selected FAQs)

• When multiple mooring lines are attached the Smart Bollard measures the combined load on the bollard; it does not calculate individual line loads.
• The bollard geometry guides lines upward under tension so force is measured accurately at the top position.
• Data accuracy: extensive testing has been carried out; methodology and results are described in the Smart Bollard white paper.
• Power and cabling: installations may use Ethernet cabling, wireless gateways, solar power or battery packs depending on site conditions.

Technical specifications

• Continuous real-time measurement of mooring line load and direction
• Measures combined load on the bollard (not individual line loads when multiple lines attached)
• Provides line direction and angle, tide level, weather conditions and vessel history (AIS)
• Communication: Ethernet (compact switchbox) and wireless (local gateway)
• Cloud-based data processing and MoorControl dashboard
• Standard API for integration with port/terminal systems
• Installation: retrofit to existing anchor bolts or integration in new quay designs
• Power options: standard cabling, solar alternatives or battery packs
• Developed in cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam; multiple port deployments documented
• Awarded Innovation in Safety (ICHCA / TT Club, 2025)