Marine Bollard Assessment & Load Testing
Accurate, Non-Destructive Testing for Safe Working Loads
With the current increased sensitivity around litigation, knowing the condition of your mooring bollards has never been more important. As the primary ship-to-shore interface, bollards are critical to the integrity of every mooring operation, their condition underpinning the safety and performance of all related assets.
EP Marine & Rail delivers advanced, NDT assessments for marine bollards using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to map subsurface and foundation conditions. Eddy current and ultrasonics are used to identify flaws in the bollard and its fixings. This integrated, non-destructive approach enables detailed assessment up to 5 m horizontally and 8 m vertically, without removal, disruption, or stress to the asset – providing reliable data on voids, cracks, washouts, and hidden weaknesses. The result: accurate SWL evaluations, even where original markings are missing or illegible.
Most of the bollards in service today are decades old, built for vessels far smaller than modern ships. Coupled with the increased severity and frequency of storms means regular assessment is essential to maintain operational safety and avoid failure.
Why Safe Bollard Assessment Matters
Recent incidents worldwide demonstrate the risks of compromised mooring infrastructure:
MSC Fantasia (2009): High winds in Palma de Mallorca caused bollard failure, allowing the ship to drift and collapse a passenger gangway.
Carnival Triumph (2013): Failed bollards at a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, resulted in collisions with other vessels, one fatality, and extensive damage.
VALARIS DS-16 (2022): A deteriorated bollard failed, causing a mobile offshore drilling unit to collide with a cargo vessel, incurring nearly $5 million in damages
Norwegian Epic (2025): High winds led to bollard failure in Catania, Italy, allowing the ship to break free and damage port infrastructure.
These events often originate from deterioration in the bollard’s base or surrounding structure, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections.
Limitations of Traditional Pull Testing
Pull testing is still widely used but carries significant limitations:
High Risk of Structural Damage: The bollard may be ripped from the jetty, rendering it unusable and necessitating costly repairs to the dock structure.
Surface-Level Assessment Only: Pull testing primarily measures external strength, often missing voids, cracks, and foundation weaknesses.
No Opportunity to Downgrade SWL Safely: If a bollard cannot withstand the test, it typically requires replacement, rather than a measured reduction in load rating.
Pull testing is risky, disruptive, and potentially destructive, especially for older or compromised infrastructure.
Advantages of NDT Using GPR, Eddy Current & Ultrasonics
Our NDT approach provides a safe, precise alternative:
Comprehensive Analysis: GPR, Eddy Current and Ultrasonic NDT provide a comprehensive analysis detecting flaws in the bollard, its fixings and immediate surrounding area.
Accurate Load Assessment: Determines SWL without causing damage.
Operational Safety: Ensures bollards remain safe for use, avoiding unnecessary downtime.
Cost-Efficient: Early detection of weaknesses allows targeted repair or preventative measures, extending asset life.
Data-Driven: Provides clear, auditable reports for maintenance planning, regulatory compliance, and operational risk assessment.
Speak to our team about your project
Client Liaison : Kate Hartley
Tel: 0161 706 2910
20 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW
Our Promise
- Every enquiry is reviewed by a qualified engineer or technical lead
- We respond within one working day
- All conversations are confidential and obligation-free