Floating infrastructure — whether it’s for tourism, transport, or industrial use — is more than just pontoons and platforms. To function safely and efficiently, these structures depend on a set of key accessories that enhance usability, protect against wear, and ensure safe movement of people and vessels.

Among the most critical accessories in any floating system are gangways, bollards, and fenders.

In this blog, we’ll break down their individual roles, types, and why they’re considered essential components of any robust floating infrastructure project.

1. Gangways: Connecting Land to Water

What Are Gangways?

Gangways are bridge-like structures that provide safe, walkable access between the floating platform and the shore. They are typically hinged or flexible to accommodate tidal or seasonal water level changes.

Role in Floating Infrastructure:

• Accessibility: Enables smooth transition between shore and floating structure
  
• Safety: Provides handrails, anti-slip surfaces, and gentle slope for public use
  
• Flexibility: Designed to adjust with water level fluctuations
  

Types of Gangways:

• Fixed Gangways (for low fluctuation areas)
  
• Articulated/Hinged Gangways (adjustable for water level changes)
  
• Aluminium or FRP Modular Gangways (lightweight and corrosion-resistant)
  

Applications:

• Public floating jetties
  
• Marina walkways
  
• Floating solar O&M access bridges
  
• Tourist boat access platforms
  

✅ Why It Matters:

Without a well-designed gangway, floating systems are difficult to access, especially for elderly users, maintenance teams, or during emergency situations.

2. Bollards: Securing the Vessel

What Are Bollards?

Bollards are short vertical posts installed on floating structures or nearby land, used to tie or moor boats and vessels securely in place.

Role in Floating Infrastructure:

• Mooring Support: Allows safe and strong tying of vessels
  
• Stability: Prevents drifting or damage during docking
  
• Load Transfer: Takes the load stress from vessel movement
  

Types of Bollards:

• Boat Bollards
• Single Bitt Bollards
• Double Bitt Bollards
• Cross Bit Bollards
• T-head Bollards
• Cleats (for smaller boats)
  

Materials:

• Galvanized steel
  
• Cast iron
  
• Stainless steel (for marine-grade durability)
  

Applications:

• Passenger jetties
  
• Fishing docks
  
• Water taxi and ferry terminals
  
• Floating work platforms
  

✅ Why It Matters:

Improper mooring can lead to structural damage, collisions, or even safety hazards for passengers. Bollards ensure that boats stay docked even in rough water.

3. Fenders: Protecting Against Impact

What Are Fenders?

Fenders are cushioning devices installed along the edge of floating platforms or docks to absorb the impact from boats during berthing or accidental contact.

Role in Floating Infrastructure:

• Impact Absorption: Protects both vessel and dock from damage
  
• Shock Mitigation: Reduces strain on mooring points
  
• Durability: Extends the lifespan of floating assets
  

Types of Fenders:

• Rubber D-type Fenders (common for jetty sides)
  
• Cylindrical/Donut Fenders
  
• Foam-Filled Marine Fenders
  
• Corner Fenders (for sharp turns or tight spaces)
  

Applications:

• Public and private marinas
  
• Industrial floating docks
  
• Inland waterway cargo terminals
  
• River cruise docking points
  

✅ Why It Matters:

A well-fendered floating structure can handle frequent vessel traffic without sustaining long-term damage — critical for busy terminals and tourism jetties.

Conclusion

Floating infrastructure is only as strong as its weakest component. While pontoons and platforms may grab the spotlight, it’s the supporting accessories — gangways, bollards, and fenders — that quietly do the heavy lifting in the background.

At AIPL, we specialize in designing and installing complete floating systems — including all critical accessories — tailored to your project’s specific waterbody and usage needs.

FAQs

Q1. What is Acquafront Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (AIPL), and what does the company
specialize?

Ans: Acquafront Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (AIPL) is a pioneering company specializing in the
design, manufacturing, and installation of advanced floating infrastructure systems for
maritime and inland waterways. Since 2018, AIPL has been delivering IP-driven and
sustainable turnkey solutions tailored for sectors such as water supply, renewable energy,
tourism, dredging, defence, and transportation.

Q2. What types of floating structures does AIPL offer?

Ans: AIPL offers four major types of modular floats tailored for diverse industrial
applications:

• MS Modular Barges
• Steel Integrated Floating Jetty (SIFJ)
• GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) Floating Beams
• HDPE Cubes

Q3. Where are your corporate office and manufacturing facilities located?

Ans:
Corporate Office:
3rd Floor, Tower-C, Office No. C-320, I-THUM, Plot No. A-40, Sector-62, Noida, Gautam
Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh – 201301

Q4. Are your designs compliant with Indian standards or certified by third-party
institutions?

Ans: Yes, all our designs adhere to applicable Indian Standards such as IR-Class, IS 800, IS
456, IS 875, etc. Additionally, we support third-party design vetting through agencies like IR
Class, IITs, and Naval consultants as required.

Q5. Who are some of your key clients and past projects?

Ans: AIPL has delivered floating infrastructure solutions for prestigious clients such as:

• GAIL
• MECON
• OIL India
• VPRPL
• ADHPL
• OMPL
• SPICEJET
• PHED Odisha & Rajasthan
• Goa Shipyard Limited

Q6. How can I get in touch with AIPL for a new project or partnership?

Ans: You can submit your inquiry directly through our website’s contact form:
https://acquainfra.com/enquiry

About the Author

Mr. Ankit Patel, Director & CEO

• Industrial expertise in Business Development, Operations, Finance & Administration, and Product development.
• Navkriti Medal issued by the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi.
• National Meritorious Innovation Award 2018 by NRDC (A DST Enterprise) presented during the Innovate India conference 2019 at EDII, Ahmedabad.
• Recognised for groundbreaking innovation with patent no. 485553 in the Marine Industry