Docking
Ferry boats often dock at specialized facilities designed to position the boat for loading and unloading, called a ferry slip. If the ferry transports road vehicles or railway carriages there will usually be an adjustable ramp called an apron that is part of the slip. In other cases, the apron ramp will be a part of the ferry itself, acting as a wave guard when elevated and lowered to meet a fixed ramp at the terminus — a road segment that extends partially underwater.
The ferry shown left is ferry MV Magogoni used in Tanzania. It was not possible to build suitable docking facilities and that problem is solved by making the ferry extra manoeuvrable. Four identical engine modules with Schottel pump-jets are used for main propulsion. With her steering propellers rotating round vertical shafts she can be put on any place of the ramp, regardless of stream.
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