316 Stainless Steel Marine Bollard

During vessel berthing and mooring operations, bollards constitute critical deck machinery. They serve not only as robust anchor points connecting ships to quays, pontoons or other vessels, but also as the cornerstone safeguarding ships against wind, currents and waves whilst at anchor, thereby ensuring the safety of personnel and property. This article details the application and outstanding features of a high-standard marine bollard crafted from 316 stainless steel, boasting a breaking load capacity of one tonne.

Our bollard material: 316 stainless steel. Compared to standard 304 stainless steel, the addition of molybdenum (Mo) in 316 stainless steel delivers a significant leap in resistance to chloride corrosion (such as seawater and marine atmospheric erosion) and pitting corrosion. This enables the bollard to endure prolonged exposure to harsh marine environments, maximization resistance to corrosion while maintaining a lustrous appearance and structural integrity. It boasts an exceptionally long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.

Breaking load ≥ 1 tonne (1000 kilograms). This critical specification indicates the bollard is engineered with an exceptionally high safety margin. It does not imply failure at precisely one tonne of force, but rather that its minimum breaking strength is guaranteed to be at least one tonne, with actual load-bearing capacity far exceeding this threshold. This provides robust and reliable safety assurance for mooring operations, enabling the bollard to withstand significant vessel sway and impact forces caused by tidal movements or sudden weather changes, effectively preventing the risk of rope slippage or bollard fracture.

Manufactured through integral casting or high-strength welding techniques, the bollards ensure flawless structural integrity, robust wholeness, and uniform stress distribution. Surfaces are typically polished, not only for aesthetic appeal but crucially to minimise rope abrasion, thereby extending the service life of mooring lines.

With its outstanding corrosion resistance and sufficient strength, this series of mooring bollards is widely used for various small and medium-sized vessels, such as yachts, speedboats, fishing boats, workboats, patrol boats, small to medium cargo ships, and passenger vessels. It is also suitable for marine facilities like docks, ports, and floating platforms, serving as fixed mooring points.

When selecting bollards, beyond considering breaking strength, the vessel's tonnage, standard rope specifications, and quantity must determine the bollard type (e.g., single-post, double-post, cross-type) and base dimensions. This ensures capacity aligns with the vessel's mooring requirements. When mooring, ensure the rope is wrapped around the bollard for a sufficient number of turns (typically 3-5 turns), forming a figure-eight cross. This utilises friction to lock the rope in place, with the loose end finally secured. Avoid hanging the rope directly on the tip of the bollard head; instead, attach it at the base of the bollard column to reduce torque and prevent accidental release. Regularly inspect the bollard base and bolts for signs of loosening, cracking, or corrosion.

In summary, this marine bollard, crafted from 316 stainless steel with a breaking strength of one tonne, combines exceptional corrosion resistance, a high safety factor, exquisite craftsmanship, and extended service life. Though a small component, it constitutes a vital element within a vessel's mooring safety system, providing irreplaceable assurance and reliability for shipowners and crew alike. Investing in a high-quality bollard represents a significant safeguard for both the vessel and those aboard.