General characteristics of South African ports and the safe mooring of ships

In this paper, mooring problems in South African ports are discussed. The main cause of these problems is identified as the occurrence of long waves and, to some extent, harbour seiching. The oscillatory characteristics of moored ships are discussed in a simplified but illustrative way. The characteristics of the long waves, based on analysis of measured wave data, are discussed. Unique aspects of a number of ports, as related to the increase or decrease of long-wave height, are presented. Measures to improve long-wave port tranquility and mooring conditions are suggested.