Putting rope-free mooring on ports' boardroom agendas: The case for AutoMoor

Vacuum-based technology automated mooring technology automoor

In the maritime industry, port automation is often associated with automating cranes or container straddle carriers. However, automation has the potential to go far beyond these areas. One key opportunity lies in mooring processes, which are still heavily reliant on traditional methods that are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inherently hazardous. By automating mooring, ports can drive efficiencies, streamline operations, and ultimately boost profitability. In this article, we look at how Trelleborg’s AutoMoor, a rope-free automated mooring system, is leading this evolution, offering ports a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to tackle the challenges of today’s fast-paced and regulated industry. It’s time to look beyond the obvious and reimagine what port automation can achieve.

 

Why change is essential

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has already called on port authorities to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance clearance times and labor productivity. This push comes as the IMF projects global economic growth, placing additional pressure on ports to accommodate larger vessels and increased trade volumes. Simultaneously, ports must meet stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements to reduce emissions and improve safety.

 

Traditional mooring systems which rely on mooring lines or ropes present significant safety risks and operational inefficiencies. Data from the UK P&I Club reveals that over a 20-year period, 53% of mooring incidents involved parted ropes, 42% were caused by ropes slipping off drum ends, and 5% stemmed from equipment failure. These incidents not only result in severe injuries and fatalities but also rank as some of the most expensive insurance claims in the maritime sector. In an era of heightened ESG scrutiny, such inefficiencies and risks are unacceptable.

 

Beyond safety concerns, manual mooring methods slow vessel turnarounds, leading to increased emissions and congestion caused by operational bottlenecks. Recent research by UCL and UMAS released in 2024 estimates that optimizing port arrivals and reducing waiting times could cut voyage emissions by up to 25% for certain vessel types. It’s clear that legacy systems are no longer fit for purpose.

 

However, port operators need not wait for sweeping technological overhauls. Instead, incremental integration, such as the adoption of AutoMoor, can deliver immediate and measurable benefits. With tighter environmental regulations on the horizon and the IMO's 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets looming, ports are prioritizing upgrades that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. AutoMoor addresses these needs by automating the mooring process, reducing risks, and improving port throughput.

 

The AutoMoor advantage

Trelleborg’s AutoMoor uses advanced vacuum-based technology to rapidly secure vessels, eliminating the need for mooring lines. This system considerably reduces mooring and turnaround times while minimizing vessel motions caused by external forces like tides and waves, streamlining operations and enhancing berth productivity.

 

With customer feedback highlighting a significant reduction in surge and sway, increased berth operability from 65% to an incredible 95%, and a drastic cut in mooring times from 50 minutes to under a minute, AutoMoor is delivering measurable results where it matters most.

 

By implementing at-berth efficiencies to reduce idle time, ports can achieve significant fuel savings and lower emissions. For example, one Trelleborg case study revealed potential annual reductions of 117,000 liters of marine diesel oil and 286 tons of CO₂. These savings are vital as improved environmental compliance helps make ports more attractive to eco-conscious shipping lines. Ship owners and operators are also likely to choose ports that can support their own decarbonization goals, making ports’ environmental progress a competitive advantage.

 

Crucially, AutoMoor enhances safety by removing human interaction with mooring lines, mitigating the risk of injuries. At the Port of Långnäs, the system has streamlined operations, managing over 2,700 moorings annually while enhancing efficiency and reducing mooring times. Johan Mannerus, Deputy Harbor Master at the Port of Långnäs, emphasizes that the biggest improvement is around worker safety, especially during harsh winters, eliminating the need for crew to handle heavy, icy ropes.

 

Similarly, at Norway’s Moss-Horten ferry terminal, AutoMoor has been integral to the seamless operation of all-electric ferries. By stabilizing vessels during charging, the system enhances battery performance, improves schedule adherence thereby reducing operational delays, and supports the ports’ environmental goals.

 

Overcoming barriers to adoption

The transition to automated mooring represents a shift in mindset for port operators. While the initial investment may appear high, the long-term benefits – including increased efficiency, reduced operational risks, and alignment with environmental goals – more than justify the cost.

 

One major challenge that is inhibiting widespread adoption is the lack of standardized product specifications and industry guidelines. However, having successfully completed over 30,000 rope-free moorings globally, Trelleborg is championing the development of these standards to provide port operators and engineering consultants with the confidence to integrate automated vacuum mooring solutions. Early adopters, such as the Port of Långnäs and Moss-Horten, are already reaping the rewards, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

 

Furthermore, as part of Trelleborg’s SmartPort portfolio, AutoMoor integrates seamlessly with port systems, enabling real-time data sharing and analysis. By continuously monitoring mooring loads, operators can optimize day-to-day operations and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and safety.

 

A call to action

The evidence is clear: rope-free mooring systems like AutoMoor are no longer a futuristic concept – they are a practical solution to some of the industry’s most pressing operational challenges. Ports that adopt automated mooring systems can unlock untapped potential to realize quantifiable efficiency, safety, and sustainability advantages.

 

These are strategic focuses for all port operators’ boardrooms and therefore, modernizing mooring practices has to be part of the agenda. Solutions like AutoMoor aren’t just an upgrade – they’re an operational transformation. By investing in smarter, safer, and more sustainable systems, ports can meet growing demands, exceed regulatory expectations, and help to future proof operations. Automation must move from the periphery to the heart of port strategies, ensuring that the industry is not only prepared for tomorrow but leading the way to a greener, more efficient future.

 

Find out more about how AutoMoor can optimize port efficiency and support emissions reduction initiatives by registering here for our webinar on Tuesday, February 11, 10:00pm UTC and Wednesday, February 12, 9:00am UTC.