What Type of Mooring Bollard Do I Need? A Quick Guide for Ports and Marine Engineers
Not All Bollards Are Built the Same—Let’s Break It Down
If you’re responsible for outfitting a dock, terminal, or industrial waterfront, chances are you’ve asked yourself this more than once: What kind of mooring bollard do I actually need? It’s a fair question—because getting it wrong can lead to serious headaches, vessel damage, or even safety risks. With all the different designs, load capacities, and materials out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: once you understand what each type does best, it becomes much easier to make the right call.
Bollards play a critical role in safe mooring operations. According to marine safety guidelines, the proper bollard type, location, and size are essential for handling dynamic vessel loads, tidal conditions, and the tug-and-pull of real-world port activity. Choose the wrong one, and you risk not only equipment failure but also downtime that costs big—sometimes thousands of dollars per day. That’s why getting this right is more than just checking a box. It’s a smart investment in safety and efficiency.
Quick Rundown: Common Mooring Bollard Types
Each type of bollard serves a slightly different purpose, depending on vessel size, rope angles, available space, and overall mooring layout. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types you’ll find on commercial docks and terminals:
Single Bitt Bollards – Simple, reliable, and ideal for handling high mooring line angles. Best for large vessels at busy ports.
Double Bitt Bollards – Great for separating multiple mooring lines. Ideal when space is limited but flexibility is key.
Tee Head Bollards – Designed for high loads and multi-line mooring. They’re strong and widely used at heavy-duty berths.
Horn Bollards – Excellent for securing ropes at sharp angles. Popular on piers with limited deck space.
Kidney Bollards – A more compact option, these are perfect for small vessels and tight dock layouts. Despite their size, they pack a punch in terms of capacity.
Most bollards are cast from ductile iron or steel and built to meet strict load specs. But you’ll also want to factor in installation type (surface mount vs. embedded), environment (saltwater exposure, corrosion risk), and frequency of use.
Conclusion
Picking the right mooring bollard isn’t about guesswork—it’s about fit, function, and durability. At Marine Structures, we offer a full lineup of Marine Bollards engineered for every mooring scenario. Whether you’re looking at Single Bitt Bollards, Double Bitt Bollards, or more specialized designs like Horn Bollards, we’ve got solutions that meet global port standards and local conditions. Ready to spec your project? Get a Quote and let our marine engineering experts help you make the best call.