Mooring dolphin

A mooring dolphin is an isolated marine structure carrying bollards or quick-release hooks that holds a moored vessel against wind, current, and surge, taking no berthing impact. On an open jetty it sits beyond the breasting dolphins, set fore and aft of the design vessel so spring and breast lines reach the ship at workable angles. Construction is a pile cluster, monopile, or small caisson, sized to the mooring-line load rather than berthing energy. Quick-release hooks let lines be slipped fast in an emergency and often carry load monitoring. Layout and load cases follow BS 6349-2 and OCIMF mooring guidance, distinct from the breasting dolphin that absorbs the berthing energy.