Located in north-west Spain, the Port of Vigo is a natural harbor boasting 14,000 hectares of sheltered waters, protected by surrounding islands and peninsulas, allowing it to operate 365 days a year.
In recent months, the port has undertaken significant improvements to the berthing systems at two of its terminals to accommodate larger vessels.
At the Bouzas Terminal, a key hub for Ro-Ro traffic and one of Spain’s leading terminals for new vehicle transshipment, ShibataFenderTeam delivered 14 sets of Cone Fenders (SPC 1200, G2.7) with closed-box steel panels (2000x4800 mm) and UHMW-PE sliding plates, for the largest ramps, Ramps 5 and 6. Meanwhile, at the Cruise Terminal, 12 sets of V Fenders (SX 800 x L 2000 mm) and a 250-ton bollard were installed to support the recently extended 700-meter berthing line, now capable of simultaneously accommodating two of the world’s largest cruise ships.
To ensure the steel panels withstand heavy-duty beltings from Ro-Ro vessels, large 500 mm-high chamfers were incorporated into the design to prevent beltings from getting stuck on or below the panels, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the fender system.
Additionally, although the port benefits from a sheltered location, the wide and unavoidable tidal ranges of the Atlantic Ocean influenced the panel design. The SFT in-house engineering team designed the panels exceptionally high to provide consistent energy absorption under fluctuating water levels.
Finally, in spite of the challenges posed by the Red Sea crisis, the project was delivered on time, thanks to the expertise of our logistics team at the Spanish office.
ShibataFenderTeam is proud to have supported the Port of Vigo in enhancing its berthing operations. Projects like this, along with our upcoming new facility in Valencia, highlight our ongoing commitment to serving the Spanish market and supporting its maritime infrastructure.
