Anlegekraft

Anlegekraft, or berthing force, is the horizontal load that a vessel and the docking infrastructure experience during berthing operations. It arises from the interaction of ship motion, environmental forces, and the response of mooring equipment and fenders as the vessel approaches and makes contact with a quay or pier. The concept is used in ship and port design to ensure hulls, lines, bollards, fenders, and the quay can withstand the loads involved in normal berthing, as well as contingencies.

The force comprises static and dynamic components. Static elements come from pre-tensioned mooring lines and the reaction of fenders, while dynamic elements result from impact and surge when the hull contacts the quay and lines take up slack. Wind and current contribute to the overall load, and tugboats may apply additional forces to guide the vessel into position.

Calculation and measurement of Anlegekraft are used in planning and operations. Mooring plans and, increasingly, dynamic simulations that model environmental conditions and vessel behavior estimate berthing loads. During operations, load cells on mooring lines, fender deflections, and quay sensors may provide real-time or post-operation data. These measurements support safety margins, maintenance planning, and design verification.

Applications and safety considerations include ensuring that hull structures, mooring systems, bollards, and fenders are designed to withstand anticipated berthing loads. Practices to manage the force include reducing approach speed, employing tug assistance, deploying additional mooring lines, and selecting appropriate fendering. Proper control of Anlegekraft reduces the risk of damage to vessels and port infrastructure.