Hawai‘i’s interisland freight firm Young Brothers has grow to be the primary marine transportation firm within the Unites States to put in an modern mooring system designed to enhance security and effectivity.
The new $1.5 million ShoreTension mooring system was blessed in a ceremony on the Port of Kaumalapau in Lāna‘i on Monday. The technology, which keeps the barge steady against the dock during inclement weather, is already being utilized in harbors around the globe in countries like New Zealand, Peru and Italy.
“As the only water carrier to serve Lāna‘i, we take seriously our kuleana to provide safe, reliable, frequent and affordable shipping to this rural community,” said Jay Ana, president of Young Brothers. “This innovative mooring system reflects our commitment to enhancing the reliability of service for Lāna‘i so we can safely deliver the goods the community depends on despite rough conditions.”
Adverse weather, such as large swells, harbor surges and high winds, regularly plague the Port of Kaumalapau, especially in the winter season, and can prevent Young Brothers crews from safely unloading and loading cargo from the barge. When delivery is impossible, Young Brothers regularly attempts recovery sailings at the company’s personal expense to make sure Lānaʻi receives its cargo as quickly as safely doable.
The mooring system addresses this challenge by utilizing a sequence of 4 100-ton bollards and ShoreTension items to handle rigidity on the mooring traces that safely maintain a barge in opposition to the dock throughout harmful circumstances. The ShoreTension items use the vitality they retailer from the barge’s motion to robotically modify the stress on the traces—loosening or tightening—as wanted to maintain the barge safe in opposition to the dock.
The blessing, performed by Kahu Saul Kahihikolo, introduced collectively elected leaders, Lāna‘i businesses and community members to mark the occasion.
“Improving and modernizing our harbors is a priority,” said Dreana “Dre” Kalili, Deputy Director for the State Department of Transportation – Harbors Division. “We appreciate Young Brothers’ collaborative and proactive efforts to implement the ShoreTension mooring system as a result of it’s going to assist make sure the uninterrupted movement of products all through our island chain.”
Beyond the ShoreTension system, Young Brothers continues to reinvest in enhancing its companies for Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i. In winter 2024, the corporate will welcome a state-of-the-art $10 million barge, Kalohi, to its fleet. The 286-foot-long vessel presents extra deck house and cargo capability, ballastable expertise to deal with altering tidal circumstances, and 5 ramps that allow larger flexibility and effectivity for loading and discharging cargo.
