Shipbuilding industry is next-level: Marcin Ryngwelski on how a shipyard installs mooring equipment

Precision, expertise, and teamwork — these are the foundations of the complex process of installing mooring systems on modern vessels and naval ships. PGZ Naval Shipyard offers a behind-the-scenes look at how this essential operation is carried out, from the design office to the crew training phase.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 15.05.2025, 10:24 Reading time: 2 min

Green mooring winches with ropes on the deck of a large ship, sun over the horizon — fot. Towimor

In brief

PGZ Stocznia Wojenna has presented the process of installing mooring equipment on ships and naval vessels, from design to crew training. Marcin Ryngwelski, president of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, pointed out that crane operators, equipment fitters, electricians, welders, markers and hull fitters work on the installation of winches, and that the foundations are made of high-strength steel. Mooring equipment is tested under load during Harbor Acceptance Test trials, after which the crew undergoes training in line with classification society requirements and SOLAS regulations. The mooring solutions are supplied by TOWIMOR of Toruń.

- A mooring line is more than just a rope. It represents safety, homecoming, and connection with the shore. But before a sailor hears the command ‘Cast off the mooring lines’, there's a long and highly technical process behind it, says Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Naval Shipyard.

From Design to Precision Installation

Everything starts in the design office, where engineers, guided by the specifications of the Navy or commercial shipowners, analyze the placement, accessibility, and load distribution for the mooring equipment.

Proper mooring winches are selected based on the vessel’s type and size.
A reinforced steel foundation is designed and built to withstand extreme forces exerted during mooring operations.
The area is precisely cleaned and aligned before welding the foundation to the deck.
The winch is then accurately positioned and secured with mounting bolts and hardware.

- It’s a high-precision operation involving not only crane operators and device technicians, but also electricians, tracers, welders, and hull fitters. Coordination is key, emphasizes Marcin Ryngwelski.

Guiding the Lines: Fairleads and Bollards

Installing mooring winches is just part of the task. Proper line management requires additional equipment — bollards, fairleads, and deck fittings — to ensure safe and smooth operation of the mooring system. Poor alignment can cause premature wear of mooring lines, increasing operational costs and safety risks.

Harbor Acceptance Tests and Crew Training

Once installed, the system is tested as part of the Harbor Acceptance Test (HAT) protocol. This phase verifies the mechanical and electrical performance of the winches under load, simulating real-world mooring forces.

- Functionality isn’t enough — reliability is everything. That’s why HAT is such a critical step before commissioning, notes Marcin Ryngwelski.

Following successful testing, the future crew receives training in line with classification society regulations, SOLAS, and manufacturer guidelines — covering operation, maintenance, and safety procedures.

Polish Excellence in Mooring Systems

PGZ Naval Shipyard collaborates with TOWIMOR, a Toruń-based company recognized as Poland’s leading manufacturer of mooring equipment. Their solutions serve both commercial and military fleets, ensuring high performance in even the harshest maritime conditions.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier