What is BS 6349-8:2026 - Maritime Structures – Part 8: Design of Ro-Ro Linkspans, Ramps and Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges about?
Moving vehicles and passengers safely and efficiently between ship and shore depends on infrastructure that performs reliably under demanding conditions.
BS 6349-8:2026 provides recommendations for the design of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) linkspans, ramps, and seaport passenger boarding bridges. It helps you design infrastructure that supports vessel access, passenger movement, and operational efficiency while addressing the structural and mechanical challenges associated with these complex assets.
The standard covers structural elements and the integration of mechanical systems, helping you take a coordinated approach to design across the asset lifecycle.
Who is BS 6349-8:2026 - Maritime Structures – Part 8: Design of Ro-Ro Linkspans, Ramps and Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges for?
If you're involved in the planning, design, procurement, or operation of maritime access infrastructure, this standard is designed for you.
Typical users include:
- Port, harbour and marine terminal planners.
- Civil, coastal and structural engineers.
- Maritime infrastructure designers.
- Port owners and operators.
- Passenger boarding bridge and linkspan manufacturers.
- Facilities management professionals.
- Universities, research institutions and test houses.
It is particularly valuable for organizations responsible for designing or maintaining infrastructure that connects vessels with shore-based facilities.
What does BS 6349-8:2026 - Maritime Structures – Part 8: Design of Ro-Ro Linkspans, Ramps and Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges cover?
BS 6349-8:2026 provides recommendations covering the design and delivery of vehicle linkspans, ramps and seaport passenger boarding bridges, including:
- Basis of design development.
- Consequence and execution classes.
- Structural loads and movements.
- Vehicle restraint barriers and pedestrian handrailing.
- Structural analysis and design.
- Bearings and bearing materials.
- Vehicle linkspan geometry and transitions.
- Deck surfacing at vessel ramp interfaces.
- Passenger boarding bridge geometry and construction.
- Independent design processes.
- Setting assets to work and commissioning.
- Static and dynamic site load testing.
Why should you use BS 6349-8:2026 - Maritime Structures – Part 8: Design of Ro-Ro Linkspans, Ramps and Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges?
Maritime access structures have become increasingly complex. Designers must balance structural performance, operational requirements, machinery considerations, safety expectations and evolving regulations.
BS 6349-8:2026 helps you do that with greater clarity and confidence. Using the standard can help you:
- Start projects with a clearly defined basis of design.
- Apply a structured approach across the asset lifecycle.
- Improve coordination between owners, designers, manufacturers and contractors.
- Address modern machinery and engineering requirements.
- Apply updated guidance on loadings, transitions, testing and commissioning.
- Support independent design review processes.
- Manage technical and operational risk more effectively.
The revised publication reflects modern procurement practices and contemporary design requirements, helping you deliver maritime infrastructure that is fit for today's operating environment.
What's changed?
BS 6349-8:2026 is the latest version of the standard and a major revision of the 2007 edition which will be withdrawn. Key updates include:
- Updated references to reflect current industry practice.
- Stronger focus on whole lifecycle asset management.
- New guidance recognizing linkspans and passenger boarding bridges as complex machines.
- Introduction of a Basis of Design statement for new and refurbishment projects.
- Defined consequence and execution classes.
- Expanded guidance on loads, movements, barriers and handrailing.
- Enhanced structural analysis and bearing design recommendations.
- Separate sections for vehicle linkspans and passenger boarding bridges.
- Revised guidance for vehicle transitions and ramp interfaces.
- New guidance on commissioning and setting assets to work.
- New recommendations for static and dynamic site load testing.
- Greater alignment with modern machinery regulations and procurement practices.
This revision gives you a clearer, more structured framework for designing, validating and commissioning modern maritime access infrastructure.