TTS Port Equipment AB has been awarded the order for a Semi-submerged Linkspan for the use of island traffic outside Gothenburg, Sweden.
The traffic is operated by state-owned ferries, a ferry company run within the Swedish Road Authority, which is responsible for maintaining car and truck traffic as well as offering transport to foot passengers between the islands.
The Semi-Submerged Linkspan is a system with a vehicle deck structure hinged to the quay. The outer end of the deck is connected to a buoyancy tank via two columns. The Linkspan will follow tidal movements and thus be easily connected to a double-ended vessel, supporting itself directly on the shelf of the vessel. During the transfer of rolling cargo and foot passengers the Linkspan will follow the vessel’s movements and will work as a link between the main deck and the quay surface.
The manoeuvring of the Linkspan is operated from the vessel via telemetry and is easily performed as the Linkspan floats in a vertical position close to the ferry under all conditions, ensuring a short operating time. One of the benefits of the semi-floating function is that the support load from the Linkspan on the vessel is comparatively low. In addition, the operation is created with low power consumption and is therefore environmentally friendly.
The movement of foot passengers and vehicles is separated, which is an essential safety measure with this kind of traffic. The Linkspan will be designed according to Swedish regulations and with TTS’ experience in designing this type of structure.
TTS is also involved in the relocation project of the Stena HSS Semi-Submerged Linkspan in the Irish Sea.
TTS Port Equipment is part of the TTS Port and Material Handling Division, which is headquartered in Gothenburg. This is one of four divisions operated by Norway’s TTS Marine ASA, Bergen, which is quoted on the Oslo Börs.
Bergen, 08 June 2006
Contact person:
Håkan Jönsson
Sales Manager
TTS Port Equipment AB
Tel: +46 31 725 7873
