Moorings Demo
A pull test demonstration was undertaken on the 10th June 2014 at Lake Macquarie, NSW, to compare the performance of block and chain moorings with two types of environmentally friendly moorings: the Seagrass Friendly Mooring and the Eco Mooring. Each mooring was pulled on by a tug with a load cell inserted in line to measure and compare the forces experienced by each mooring. A remote hand-held display of the load cell was used on board the observer vessel where the relative loads were recorded in tons. Moorings were tested in both mud and sand. The demonstration confirmed that the two types of environmentally friendly moorings tested, were able to withstand greater loads than block and chain moorings before breaking out. It would seem that these designs not only protect sensitive habitats like seagrass but they may also be a stronger and safer option for mooring boats.