Mooring Bollard Standards Explained: ISO 13795 vs. GB/T 36665 - Which One Fits Your Vessel Specs?

Mooring Bollard Standards Explained: ISO 13795 vs. GB/T 36665 - Which One Fits Your Vessel Specs?

 

Introduction: Why Standards Matter in Mooring Bollard Selection

Mooring bollards are the unsung heroes of any port or terminal. They bear the immense forces generated by berthed vessels, ensuring safety against wind, waves, tides, and vessel movements. When a bollard fails, the consequences can be catastrophic—vessel drift, structural damage, cargo spills, and even personal injury.

This is why mooring bollard standards are not mere paperwork; they are the foundation of safe and reliable port operations. Selecting a bollard that meets the appropriate standard is a non-negotiable requirement for any serious marine project.

This guide provides a detailed comparison between two of the most widely referenced mooring bollard standards:

①ISO 13795:2012-The international standard widely adopted in Europe, the Middle East, and global projects.

②GB/T 36665:2018-The Chinese national standard, increasingly recognized in Asia-Pacific regions and international projects with Chinese engineering involvement.

By the end of this guide, you will understand the key differences, similarities, and how to choose the right standard for your vessel specifications and project requirements.

 

1. Overview of Mooring Bollard Standards

1.1 What Defines a Mooring Bollard Standard?

A mooring bollard standard specifies:

①Design loads:Safe Working Load (SWL) and Ultimate Load

②Materials:Cast iron, cast steel, or fabricated steel requirements

③Dimensional specifications:Height, base plate size, bolt hole patterns

④Testing requirements:Pull tests, non-destructive testing (NDT)

⑤Corrosion protection:Coatings, galvanization, or corrosion allowances

⑥Marking and certification:Identification, traceability, and documentation

1.2 The Two Standards at a Glance

Feature	ISO 13795:2012	GB/T 36665:2018
Scope	Ships and marine technology Mooring fittings Cast steel bollards	Marine rubber fenders and mooring bollards Technical requirements (combined standard)
Primary Material	Cast steel (primarily)	Cast steel, cast iron, or fabricated steel
Geographic Adoption	Europe, Middle East, Americas, global	China, Asia-Pacific, Belt and Road projects
Key Design Philosophy	Focus on cast steel integrity, fatigue resistance	Balanced approach, includes corrosion allowance

 

2. Deep Dive: ISO 13795:2012,The Global Benchmark

2.1 Scope and Application

①ISO 13795:2012 specifically addresses cast steel bollards used for mooring ships. It applies to various bollard types, including:

Double bollards:The most common type, with two arms for multiple lines

Single bollards:For smaller vessels or specific applications

Cruciform bollards:For high-load applications requiring multi-directional mooring

2.2 Key Technical Requirements

①Materials:

- Specifies cast steel grades (typically GP240 or equivalent)

- Requires chemical composition and mechanical property certifications

- Mandates non-destructive testing (NDT) for critical areas

②Design Loads:

- Defines Safe Working Load (SWL) as the maximum force for normal operations

- Ultimate Load is typically 2.5x to 3.0x SWL for safety factors

- SWL values range from 100 kN to over 2,000 kN depending on bollard size

③Dimensions:

- Provides detailed dimensional tables for standard bollard sizes

- Specifies base plate dimensions, bolt hole patterns, and height requirements

- Ensures interchangeability between manufacturers

④Testing:

- Requires proof load testing at 1.5x SWL

- Mandates pull tests to verify structural integrity

- NDT requirements for casting defects (ultrasonic or magnetic particle inspection)

⑤Corrosion Protection:

- Specifies minimum coating thickness (typically epoxy or polyurethane)

- Allows for galvanization but requires careful design to avoid hydrogen embrittlement

2.3 Why Choose ISO 13795?

ISO 13795 is the preferred standard when:

①Your project is located in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or the Americas

②The consultant or owner specifies international standards

③You require global acceptance for future financing or insurance purposes

④The vessel fleet is international with diverse mooring requirements

 

3. Deep Dive: GB/T 36665:2018,The Chinese Standard with Global Reach

3.1 Scope and Application

GB/T 36665:2018 is a comprehensive standard covering both marine rubber fenders and mooring bollards. For bollards, it provides specifications for:

①Cast steel bollards

②Cast iron bollards (unlike ISO, which focuses only on cast steel)

③Fabricated steel bollards(welded construction)

This standard is widely used in:

①Chinese domestic portsand terminals

②Belt and Road Initiative projects worldwide

③Projects with Chinese engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors

④Asia-Pacific region ports and terminals

3.2 Key Technical Requirements

①Materials:

- Accepts cast steel, cast iron (e.g., QT500-7, QT600-3), and fabricated steel

- Requires material certificates and traceability

- Allows for more flexibility in material selection based on cost and availability

②Design Loads:

- Defines SWL similarly to ISO but with slight variations in safety factors

- Ultimate Load typically 2.5x SWL for cast steel, 3.0x for cast iron

- Includes corrosion allowance of 2mm for steel components—a unique feature

③Dimensions:

- Provides dimensional tables aligned with Chinese port construction practices

- Specifies two main types of cruciform bollards:

  - Type A: Steel tube construction

  - Type B:Steel plate fabrication

④Testing:

- Requires pull testing with specific force application angles

- Mandates visual inspection and dimensional verification

- NDT requirements for critical castings

⑤Corrosion Protection:

- 2mm corrosion allowance is a distinctive feature, ensuring long-term durability

- Specifies coating systems (epoxy, polyurethane, or galvanization)

- Emphasizes surface preparation and coating adhesion

3.3 Why Choose GB/T 36665?

GB/T 36665 is the appropriate standard when:

①Your project is in China, Southeast Asia, or Belt and Road countries

②The EPC contractor is Chinese or the project follows Chinese design codes

③You require cast iron or fabricated steel options for cost efficiency

④The 2mm corrosion allowance provides added durability in harsh marine environments

 

4. Comparative Analysis: ISO 13795 vs. GB/T 36665

Comparison Factor	ISO 13795:2012	GB/T 36665:2018
Material Options	Cast steel only	Cast steel, cast iron, fabricated steel
Corrosion Allowance	Not specified (relies on coating)	2mm corrosion allowance for steel components
Testing Requirements	Proof load at 1.5x SWL; NDT mandatory	Pull test; NDT for critical castings
Dimensional Standardization	High (global interchangeability)	Moderate (aligned with Chinese construction practices)
Safety Factor	Typically 2.5x (cast steel)	2.5x (cast steel)/3.0x (cast iron)
Global Acceptance	Widely accepted worldwide	Strong in Asia-Pacific; growing globally
Cost Implication	Higher (cast steel, strict testing)	Moderate (flexible material options)

 

5. Bollard Types and Their Standard References

5.1 Double Bollards

①ISO 13795:The most common type specified. Dimensions and SWL are standardized for global projects. Ideal for container terminals and bulk carriers.

②GB/T 36665:Similar configuration but with both cast steel and fabricated steel options. The standard defines two cruciform bollard types (A and B) based on construction method.

5.2 Single Bollards

①ISO 13795:Covered under the standard, primarily in cast steel. Used for smaller vessels or as secondary mooring points.

②GB/T 36665:Widely used in Chinese ports, available in cast iron for smaller loads, offering cost advantages.

5.3 Cruciform Bollards

①ISO 13795:Less detailed on cruciform types; focus remains on double bollards.

②GB/T 36665:Provides extensive specifications for cruciform bollards, including dimensional drawings for Type A (steel tube) and Type B (steel plate) variants.

 

6. A Step-by-Step Selection Process

Follow these steps to determine which standard fits your vessel specifications and project requirements:

Step 1: Identify Project Location and Applicable Codes

- Is the project in Europe, the Middle East, or the Americas? → ISO 13795

- Is the project in China, Southeast Asia, or a Belt and Road country? → GB/T 36665 (or both, depending on consultant requirements)

Step 2: Determine Vessel Specifications

- What is the maximum vessel DWT (Deadweight Tonnage) ?

- What are the mooring line forces required?

- Consult standard tables to match vessel size to appropriate SWL

Step 3: Assess Material and Budget Constraints

- Is cast steel mandatory (e.g., ISO requirement)? → Higher cost

- Is cast iron or fabricated steel acceptable? → Potential cost savings with GB/T 36665

Step 4: Consider Corrosion Environment

- Is the bollard in a high-corrosion marine environment?

- GB/T 36665's 2mm corrosion allowance may provide longer service life without frequent recoating

Step 5: Verify Testing and Certification Requirements

- Does the project require third-party inspection(e.g., Lloyd's, Bureau Veritas)?

- ISO 13795-aligned products typically come with more extensive NDT documentation

 

7. Testing and Certification: What to Expect

7.1 Proof Load Testing

Both standards require proof load testing to verify structural integrity:

①ISO 13795:Test at 1.5x SWL for a specified duration

②GB/T 36665:Similar requirements, with specific force application angles

7.2 Pull Testing Methods

Four common pull testing methods are recognized:

1. Test Frame Method–Pulling against a dedicated test frame

2. Crane or Hoist Method–Using shore-based lifting equipment

3. Ship-to-Shore Method–Pulling between two bollards (one tested, one anchor)

4. Hydraulic Jack Method–Using calibrated hydraulic equipment

7.3 Certification Documentation

A compliant bollard should be supplied with:

①Material certificates(Mill certificates, chemical composition, mechanical properties)

②NDT reports(ultrasonic or magnetic particle inspection for castings)

③Proof load test reports (with photos and force measurements)

④Coating inspection reports(thickness, adhesion, holiday testing)

⑤Product marking(SWL, standard reference, manufacturer, serial number)

 

8. Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between ISO 13795 and GB/T 36665 is not about which standard is "better"—both are technically robust and ensure safe mooring operations. The decision comes down to:

①Project geography and applicable codes

②Consultant and owner preferences

③Material and budget considerations

④Long-term corrosion protection requirements

For international projects with European or Middle Eastern consultants, ISO 13795 is the safe choice. For projects in Asia-Pacific or those involving Chinese EPC contractors, GB/T 36665 is often preferred and may offer cost advantages.

Your Next Step

Selecting the wrong bollard or non-compliant products can lead to project delays, safety risks, and costly replacements. We are here to help you navigate this critical decision.

Get a Compliant Bollard Solution for Your Project

Send us your project specifications, including:

①Vessel DWT and type

②Project location and applicable design codes

③Required SWL (if predetermined)

④Material preference (cast steel, cast iron, or fabricated steel)

Contact our engineering team for a free compliance check and bollard selection recommendation within 24 hours.