Mechanical support linkspan - TTS Group ASA

POWER TO MOVE<br />

www.ttsgroup.com<br />

<strong>Mechanical</strong> <strong>support</strong> <strong>linkspan</strong><br />

The function of <strong>linkspan</strong>s is to level the height difference between the quay and<br />

the cargo deck of the vessel in order to provide smoother, safer and faster access<br />

for loading and unloading. The <strong>TTS</strong> mechanical <strong>support</strong> <strong>linkspan</strong>, operated by<br />

lifting equipment, for example hydraulic cylinders, provides an access way to the<br />

main deck or the upper deck of the vessel. When linking to the main deck, it is<br />

normally positioned to accommodate the vessel’s ramp, but it can also be rested<br />

on the vessel’s ledge.<br />

PORT AND LOGISTICS

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MECHANICAL SUPPORT LINKSPAN<br />

The mechanical <strong>support</strong><br />

<strong>linkspan</strong> is suitable for use<br />

across different ranges of tidal<br />

variation. Where variation is<br />

small, the <strong>linkspan</strong> is usually<br />

operated at a fixed level,<br />

specified according to average<br />

water levels and vessel type.<br />

The operator activates the<br />

<strong>linkspan</strong> to a preselected level,<br />

the parking cleat automatically<br />

unlocks, the <strong>linkspan</strong> then<br />

manoeuvres and locks at the<br />

correct level.<br />

With greater tidal variation,<br />

the <strong>linkspan</strong> is able to follow<br />

the tide while being used to<br />

<strong>support</strong> the vessel’s ramp.<br />

The operating panel can be<br />

programmed to accommodate<br />

various types of vessel such<br />

that the <strong>linkspan</strong> is levelled<br />

to fit the ship’s deck when it<br />

arrives in port.<br />

If a vessel has no ramp, the<br />

operator can manoeuvre the<br />

<strong>linkspan</strong> onto the vessel’s<br />

ledge. It can then be switched<br />

to ‘floating’ mode in order to<br />

Picture courtesy of Albert Richardson<br />

<strong>TTS</strong> Port Equipment AB<br />

Kämpegatan 3<br />

SE-411 04 Göteborg<br />

Sweden<br />

Tel: +46 31 725 79 00<br />

Fax: +46 31 725 78 04<br />

info@tts-port.se<br />

www.ttsgroup.com<br />

<strong>TTS</strong> Handling Systems AS<br />

Holterkollvn 6,<br />

NO-1441 Drøbak<br />

Norway<br />

Tel: +47 64 90 79 10<br />

Fax: +47 64 93 16 63<br />

info@tts-hs.no<br />

<strong>TTS</strong> Liftec Oy<br />

Sorkkalantie 394<br />

33980 Pirkkala<br />

Finland<br />

Tel: +358 3 3140 1400<br />

Fax: +358 3 3140 1444<br />

sales@tts-liftec.fi<br />

follow the vessel’s movement.<br />

Extended access ramps<br />

can be provided to ensure a<br />

smooth flow of traffic when<br />

the <strong>linkspan</strong> is used for access<br />

to the upper deck.<br />

The mechanical <strong>support</strong><br />

<strong>linkspan</strong> enables more efficient<br />

loading and unloading of<br />

two-deck vessels, and helps<br />

reduce the turnaround time of<br />

cargo vessels in port.<br />

PORT AND LOGISTICS