- March 11, 2026
Impact Force Measurement for Vessel Docking
Vessel docking generates short but significant impact forces when ships contact fender systems. Accurately measuring these forces is essential for evaluating fender performance, validating structural safety margins, and supporting informed berth design decisions. In this application, a reliable force measurement system was required to capture transient impact loads under harsh marine conditions while maintaining signal integrity over long transmission distances. By implementing a robust load cell and appropriate signal conditioning, the system enabled accurate measurement of peak docking forces and provided valuable data for safer and more efficient port operations.
During vessel docking, ships briefly exert significant impact forces on fender systems. These forces must be accurately measured to evaluate fender performance, verify structural safety margins, and support berth design decisions. The key requirement was to measure the force of impact when the ship hits the fender.
- High impact loads: Requiring a sensor with sufficient overload capacity and durability
- Transient force event: The impact occurs over a very short time, making peak force capture critical
- Signal transmission distance: Long cable runs cause voltage signal drop and increased susceptibility to electrical noise
- Harsh marine environment: Exposure to moisture, salt, and movement increases the risk of corrosion and cable fatigue
Other Equipment:
- High-speed connector (1000 Hz)
Enables accurate capture of short-duration peak impact forces. - MAS10 Universal Strain Amplifier
- Amplifies the strain signal to improve signal stability over long distances
- Housed in a stainless steel, weatherproof enclosure for outdoor installation
- Strain relief at load cell connection
Prevents cable damage caused by movement at the mounting point.
A robust force-measurement system was designed using the MLW65 load cell and appropriate signal conditioning to ensure accurate results.
- Capacity: 30 tonnes, providing ample safety margin above the expected impact force
- Stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance in marine environments
- High accuracy: 0.03% FS
- IP67 protection
- Low cost
- Accurate peak impact force measurement during docking events
- Stable, noise-resistant signal transmission over long cable distances
- Reliable long-term operation in a harsh marine environment
- Improved insight into fender loading, supporting safer berth design and vessel operations
