A new system is being installed in the Welland Canal locks: MoorMaster by Cavotec.
The photo below shows the new system being installed that will replace the line handers, one of whom is shown next to the newly installed device. Lock 7 already has this system in place and apparently the remaining locks will eventually be switched over .
Info from Cavotec's website:
MoorMaster™ is a vacuum-based automated mooring technology that eliminates the need for conventional mooring lines. Remote controlled vacuum pads recessed in, or mounted on, the quayside, moor and release vessels in seconds.
The technology dramatically improves safety and operational efficiency, and also enables ports to make infrastructure savings. It has performed more than 54,500 mooring operations at ferry, bulk handling, Ro-Ro, container and lock applications around the world.
Following on from the MoorMaster installation and development in Welland Canal Lock 7, the St Lawrence Seaway and Cavotec worked together to redefine a system with improved capacity and performance that met the demands of the entire St Lawrence Seaway lock system and their customers. The result was a brand new Generation IV system, known as the MM400L22.The new system was installed in Beauharnois lock 4 with 13.5m water level change.
After completion of thorough testing during 2013 the system successfully moored over 97% of all vessels transiting the seaway. The MM400L22 system will be installed in several phases over the coming 3 years in the remaining 13 locks. MM400L22has all the typical characteristics of the MoorMaster™ product including remote operation, active vessel position control, self-diagnostics and the ability to operate from -25 to +50°C temperature range.
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