EN 13767 Ships and Maritime Technology - Ship Mooring and Towing Devices - Ship Side Roller Guides

EN 13767 Ships and Maritime Technology - Ship Mooring and Towing Devices - Ship Side Roller Guides

The European standard “EN 13767 Ships and marine technology - Ship mooring and towing devices - Ship side roller guides” describes the types, nominal dimensions, measurements and materials of ship side roller guides fitted to guide a ship's mooring ropes, as well as the requirements for construction, manufacturing and marking.

EN 13767 Ships and Maritime Technology - Ship Mooring and Towing Devices - Ship Side Roller Guides

For the purposes of this standard, safe working load refers to the safe load limit (maximum allowable load) of fasteners used for clamping and tensile applications.

Depending on their structure, roller guides are classified as belonging to one of two types:

  • 2-roller type.
  • 3-roller type.

The nominal dimensions of roller guides are indicated by reference to the outer diameter of the roller (in millimeters), from the preferred base number series. Nominal dimensions are: 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500. The dimensions and specifications of roller guides must conform to the tables and figures given in the standard. The bearing used in the manufacture of roller guides must be weldable steel plates with a yield point of at least 235 N/mm². All surfaces of roller guides, including welded surfaces, must be free from any visible defects or flaws. All surfaces in contact with ropes must be free from surface roughness or irregularities that could damage the ropes due to abrasion. Roller guides must be externally coated with a corrosion-inhibiting protective coating.

The safe working load for the intended use of roller guides shall be indicated on the towing and mooring plan carried on board the ship under the guidance of the ship's captain, as specified in IMO circular MSC/Circ.1175. The actual safe working load on board is determined taking into account the below-deck equipment and is indicated on the towing and mooring plan. The actual safe working load shall not exceed the safe working load specified in this standard.

In the challenging world of maritime operations where ships must be safely anchored in harsh sea conditions, the reliability of deck equipment is paramount. The EN 13767 standard defines the basic design, size, and performance criteria for shipside roller guides. These devices guide mooring lines or ropes from the ship's deck to bollards or anchors on the dock, preventing friction and ensuring safe and efficient docking.

This standard, aligned with ISO 13767, addresses the need for standardized guidance systems to enhance safety, interoperability, and robustness in global shipping fleets. It applies to side-mounted guidance systems for vessels typically over 500 gross tons, including cargo ships, tankers, and offshore platforms. This standard does not cover guidance systems used for towing operations or those integrated into cranes; instead, it focuses on passive steering mechanisms.

The EN 13767 standard aims to reduce the risks associated with mooring failures that can lead to ship drifting, collisions, or environmental events such as oil spills. By establishing uniform requirements, it ensures that ropes withstand dynamic loads caused by wind, wave, and tidal forces, while facilitating smooth passage of ropes without excessive wear.

This standard covers:

  • Design parameters: Dimensions, materials, and structural integrity guidelines capable of handling rope diameters from 50 mm to over 200 mm.
  • Load capacities: Safe working loads suitable for the strength of the mooring ropes, typically 100 tons or more per rope.
  • Installation contexts: Ship applications on steel or composite hulls, excluding interior deck ropes or synthetic fiber ropes exposed to extreme UV radiation.

This standard complements broader maritime norms such as EN 13819 (release ropes for towing) and ISO 13765 (mowing winches), creating a consistent framework for deck equipment.

The EN 13767 standard sets out stringent criteria to guarantee rope performance under operational stresses. At the heart of the standard is classification based on rope diameter and safe working load, guaranteeing compatibility with standard lashing lines.

The basic requirements are:

  • Dimensions and geometry: The ropes must have a pulley mechanism (e.g., rollers or cylindrical rollers) with an inner diameter at least 1,5 times the rope diameter to prevent pinching. For unobstructed passage, the frame must have a throat width at least 1,2 times the rope diameter.
  • Materials: Primarily rollers made of high-tensile steel (yield strength at least 355 MPa) or equivalent corrosion-resistant alloys, hardened steel, or bronze. Surface treatments such as galvanizing or epoxy coating are mandatory in cases of exposure to salt water.
  • Load ratings: Classified into types according to safe working load (e.g., Type A for 10-50 tons, Type B for 50-100 tons). The structure must withstand a test load of 1,5 times the safe working load without a deformation of 0,2.
  • Safety factors: Minimum factor of 4,0 against ultimate breaking load for assembly, accounting for shock loads up to 20% of the safe working load.

These features enable the guides to integrate seamlessly with other deck equipment, reducing downtime during port operations.

Compliance with the EN 13767 standard is verified through a combination of design calculations, material certifications, and physical tests, typically carried out by approved bodies under the Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU.

Core testing methods:

  • Static load test: A test load is applied axially and laterally for 10 minutes, and the deflection is measured with strain gauges. Cracks or permanent deformation are not permitted.
  • Fatigue assessment: Cyclic loading is simulated to evaluate roller bearing durability and housing fatigue life.
  • Corrosion resistance: Salt spray exposure for 1.000 hours according to ISO 9227 standard, followed by retesting for integrity.
  • Dimensional verification: Laser scanning or caliper to verify tolerances (plus/minus 2 mm for critical dimensions).

Manufacturers must provide a technical file containing finite element analysis models that verify voltage distributions.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN 13767 Ships and maritime technology - Ship mooring and towing devices - Ship side roller guides" standard.

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