What is DEFES?
DEFES is a safety solution developed to reduce the risk of accidents during boarding and disembarkation in fishing ports. It addresses the limitations of conventional fender and ladder systems, which often lack robustness, interfere with mooring lines or are poorly suited to the operating conditions found in Basque fishing ports.
What challenge does it address?
- Difficult and potentially hazardous access between vessels and the quayside.
- Limited availability of safe and suitable boarding and disembarkation systems in certain port areas.
How does it work?
- Uses port fenders similar to those installed in fishing harbours, arranged in parallel and connected by stainless-steel bars that serve as ladder rungs.
- Incorporates Teflon plates on the outer surface to withstand impacts from vessels, waves and currents.
- Complies with Spanish Royal Decree 486/1997, which establishes minimum health and safety requirements for workplaces.
- Reduces the distance between the vessel’s deck and the access ladder, improves footing through hexagonal rungs, and provides additional lateral protection for users.
Installation and operation
DEFES has been installed in the Port of Bermeo, adjacent to the harbour crane in an area frequently used by the inshore artisanal fishing fleet.
Its location provides safe and convenient access for both small and medium-sized fishing vessels.
Key benefits
- Improved safety and grip compared with conventional access ladders.
- Reduced gap between the vessel and the quayside.
- Additional lateral protection for crew members.
- Strong acceptance by the fishing sector, with demand for further installations elsewhere in the port.
- Easily adaptable to different tidal conditions through modular installation.
Success stories
- User feedback highlights its strategic location and significant improvement in boarding safety.
- Recognised as an effective solution for port areas where safe access is difficult or previously unavailable.
