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IDEX 2009

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Floating barrier protects maritime assets

Richard Scott

Wednesday, 25 February, 2009

Floating barrier protects maritime assets

South African company Cochrane Steel Products (Hall 12, Stand D12) has developed a second generation floating rotating barrier designed to provide point protection for ships, berthing areas and critical maritime infrastructures.

The barrier is constructed from multiple floating spheres (standard 1,500mm diameter x 1,368mm) coupled together to allow for free 360° rotation. Individual cylinders may be linked to form a barrier of the required length for the application.

Each spherical buoy is filled with marine closed-cell foam, rendering it almost unsinkable, regardless of perforations, bullet holes or damage. A stainless steel inner tie means the system can withstand a breaking load of more than 15 tonnes.

The buoys are reinforced with recessed ribs to accommodate radial spikes. Customers can select spikes to suit their particular application: for example, 200mm high boat spikes can be fitted to pierce and hook a boat hull; or 80mm shark tooth stainless steel antipersonnel spikes can be used to deny access to intruders.

Cochrane has previously supplied an earlier generation floating barrier system to protect a critical infrastructure in West Africa. The latest model is being trialled in Simon’s Town and Durban in conjunction with the South African Navy.

Floating barrier protects maritime assets