Innovative Use of Dolphin 1 in Zhuhai’s Passenger Port
In Zhuhai, China, the Dolphin 1, a remote-controlled unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed by oceanalpha, has been effectively utilized at a passenger terminal to manage the deployment of mooring lines for floating barges. This versatile vehicle boasts a load capacity of 150 kg and can operate within a range of 500 meters, serving not only as a rescue platform but also facilitating lightweight transportation across water.
Challenges During Typhoon Season
From June to August, Zhuhai experiences its annual typhoon season. At Jiuzhou passenger port, each floating barge is secured to the pier on only one side. This design poses notable risks during typhoons, as strong winds and turbulent waves can cause the unsecured side to flip, leading to potential safety issues. To mitigate these risks,the port authorities initiated a series of reinforcement measures,which included securing traction ropes to the opposite shore,located 230 meters away.
Streamlining Operations with dolphin 1
The task of installing these traction ropes and mooring lines, while seemingly straightforward, typically requires vessels for line transportation, resulting in high labor costs and inefficiencies.To address this, the port staff decided to test the Dolphin 1 for transporting the necessary equipment. Once the traction ropes were delivered to the opposite shore, a forklift was employed to pull the mooring lines ashore and secure them properly.
Efficiency Gains and Time Savings
With the assistance of the Dolphin 1, the team successfully set up four mooring lines in just about one hour—40 minutes less than the initial time estimate. This significant improvement highlights the effectiveness of using advanced technology in port operations.
Insights from Port Management
A representative from Jiuzhou port management commented on the previous challenges: “In the past, tightening the floating barges required transporting several heavy 250-meter mooring lines to the opposite shore. Our port primarily accommodates large passenger vessels, leaving us with a shortage of suitable small workboats. The logistics of bringing in a workboat from elsewhere are costly and complex.”
Watch the Operation in Action
To see the Dolphin 1 in action, check out the video below:
