Why Safe Bollard Assessment Matters
Marine bollards are the primary ship-to-shore interface: critical to mooring operations and the safety of vessels, crews, and port infrastructure. With many bollards in service for decades (many installed during Napoleon’s time) and designed for much smaller vessels than today’s ships, regular assessment has never been more important.
Recent incidents highlight the risks of bollard failure:
- MSC Fantasia (2009): High winds caused bollard failure, collapsing a passenger gangway.
- Carnival Triumph (2013): Failed bollards resulted in collisions and one fatality.
- VALARIS DS-16 (2022): Bollard deterioration led to $5 million in damages.
- Norwegian Epic (2025): High winds caused bollard failure, damaging port infrastructure.
In each case, the underlying issue stemmed from subsurface decay, cracks, or foundation weakness – areas that traditional inspections frequently miss.
The Limitations of Traditional Pull Testing
While pull testing remains common, it carries significant drawbacks:
- Risk of structural damage: Bollards may be ripped from the jetty, requiring costly repairs.
- Surface-level assessment only: Pull tests measure external strength but often miss hidden voids and cracks.
- No safe load adjustment: A failing bollard typically requires replacement rather than a controlled SWL downgrade.
In short, pull testing is risky, disruptive, and potentially destructive, particularly for older infrastructure.
A Modern, Safe Alternative: NDT Bollard Inspection
At EP Marine & Rail, we use NDT combining ground penetrating radar (GPR), eddy current, and ultrasonic analysis to assess the bollard, its fixings and surrounding structures without causing damage.
Key advantages of NDT:
- Comprehensive Analysis: Detects flaws in bollards, fixings, and foundations up to 5 m horizontally and 8 m vertically.
- Accurate Load Assessment: Provides SWL ratings, even if original markings are missing.
- Operational Safety: Ensures bollards remain safe to use, avoiding downtime.
- Cost Efficiency: Early detection allows targeted repairs and preventative measures.
- Data-Driven: Clear, auditable reports support regulatory compliance and maintenance planning.
Protecting Ports, Vessels, and Personnel
By adopting advanced NDT assessment, port operators and asset managers can:
- Reduce the risk of unexpected bollard failure.
- Extend the operational life of ageing infrastructure.
- Avoid costly downtime and emergency repairs.
- Maintain regulatory and safety compliance through detailed inspection records.
With storms becoming stronger and more frequent, and vessels growing larger, these preventative inspections are essential for safe, reliable mooring operations.
In Summary
Subsurface failure in marine bollards is a hidden risk that can lead to operational disruption, damage, or injury. EP Marine & Rail’s NDT approach provides a safe, precise, and cost-effective solution, giving port operators a clear, data-driven picture of bollard integrity.
Contact EP Marine & Rail to discuss a pole testing programme and protect your infrastructure before hidden decay becomes visible damage.