In the Merweharbour (Port of Rotterdam), a complex challenge was successfully addressed: the safe and efficient mooring of the ferry “Silja Europe”. The combination of high wind loads and limited mooring options at the assigned berth required an innovative solution, since the frequent use of tugboats to push the vessel against the quay would be costly and inefficient.
After careful analysis, a tailor-made leaning pile construction was chosen: large steel tubular piles fitted with a robust steel boxfender structure with synthetic sliding plates. A cluster of three piles at the bow and a cluster of four piles at the stern.
The tender took place in December 2023, and in January 2024 the contract was awarded to Doggerland Offshore as the main contractor. Following numerous administrative and technical challenges, execution commenced in April 2025 after close collaboration of all parties involved.
The seven tubular piles (Ø 1820 mm, length 35 m) were first delivered to the steel workshop, where as much preparatory work as possible was carried out to prevent surprises on site:
– no welding of loose pile heads on site, but full finishing in advance;
– fender skirts assembled, fitted, and numbered;
– installation-friendly preparations for efficient execution.
During several safety sessions it was decided not to drive the piles directly alongside the ship, but first to move the vessel several hundred meters. Although the risk is small, the danger of a pile falling can never be completely ruled out – “Better safe than sorry,” especially with about 3,000 guests on board.
On site in Rotterdam, the piles were installed from a pontoon using a vibratory hammer and positioned exactly at the required height. The fender skirts were then mounted, and only the caps were welded on site – efficient yet robust. The stability of the adjacent caisson quay was continuously monitored during execution using deformation measurements.
The project required close cooperation and technical craftsmanship from all parties involved:
– COA – client
– Port of Rotterdam – project management
– Doggerland Offshore – main contractor
– Van der Straaten – piling and steelwork
– MH-Poly – design
After completion of the works, the Silja Europe was brought back to her berth, safely positioned between the quay and the new dolphin piles.
The result: a sustainable and safe mooring facility allowing the cruise ship to berth without additional tug assistance.
This project illustrates how technical expertise, close collaboration with a no-nonsense approach have led to a successful and safe solution.
