Award Nomination:
SpatialCortex and Portsmouth International Port (PIP) partnered through the Connected Places Catapult Freight Innovation Program, to apply wearable biomechanical technology, MOVA, to objectively assess and reduce Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risks in manual mooring operations. Mooring line handling is one of the most physically demanding tasks in port operations, exposing Quay Assistants (QAs) to significant risk of back injury through sustained trunk flexion, high rope-handling forces and repetitive movement.
Using MOVA’s body-worn sensors attachable to PPE and AI analytics, SpatialCortex conducted Health and Safety Executive (HSE) compliant risk assessments across all active berths at PIP, generating objective movement data where previously only subjective observation existed. The assessment identified Berth 2 as presenting the highest ergonomic risk, directly supporting PIP’s business case to replace a high-risk bollard with a capstan. A SpatialCortex Biomechanist then led evidence-based technique improvement sessions with two mooring teams (AM and PM shifts). MOVA data collected after the session showed early measurable improvements in posture. The collaboration has established a new data-driven model for manual-handling safety in port operations, with PIP identifying further opportunities to embed MOVA going forward.
Additional Information:
WHY THE PROJECT WAS NEEDED
Mooring operations involve repetitive rope handling, awkward postures, forces and time pressure, well-established drivers of Musculoskeletal injuries. PIP recorded 6–7 MSD-related absences per year among its 14 Quay Assistants, equating to approximately 56 lost working days annually and an estimated overall impact of £115,000–£251,000 per year (based on HSE cost guidance and internal absence data, Jan 2022–Sep 2025).
The risk is compounded by an ageing workforce. Nationally, 31% of transport sector staff are aged 50–64 (DWP data), and older workers are more vulnerable to MSD injuries, a challenge confirmed locally by Berthing Masters (BMs) who noted that older staff often have reduced mobility. Nationally, MSDs account for 1-in-3 workplace injuries (HSE) and 7.3 million lost working days per year.
Despite this risk profile, PIP lacked objective data to quantify exposure, prioritise interventions, or track improvement. Conventional training was delivered by experienced BMs, drawing on expertise but without biomechanical evidence. This collaboration added the missing piece.
WHAT HAPPENED
SpatialCortex deployed MOVA sensors to assess mooring operations across all active berths (Berths 2, 3, 4 and 5). The resulting HSE-compliant risk assessment gave PIP a clear picture of MSD exposure across their estate for the first time:
- Berth 2 (manual mooring to bollards): highest risk; trunk flexion exceeding 70° with estimated forces generating moderate-to-high spinal compression.
- Berth 3 (capstan-assisted): lowest risk; maximum trunk flexion ~34° with only ~1% of time in high-risk postures.
- Berths 4 and 5: intermediate risk; technique variation identified as a key driver of exposure differences between individuals.
The MOVA data directly supported PIP’s business case to install a capstan at Berth 2, which is being commissioned. SpatialCortex are conducting a follow-up assessment to quantify the ergonomic risk reduction achieved (scheduled 1st July-2026).
The SpatialCortex Biomechanist reviewed the movement data and identified specific opportunities to improve body positioning, stance and rope-handling technique. This led to a bespoke workshop session on 24-March-2026, covering both AM, PM shifts across two QA teams. The session combined biomechanics briefing, practical guidance on body mechanics and load distribution to protect body from injuries, and hands-on technique practice session. BMs were briefed beforehand who gave strong support, and the workshop was experience-led and evidence-informed, with both perspectives working together.
The data generated opens clear pathways for ongoing benefits including improved quality of manual-handling risk assessments for compliance purposes, evidence to support safety audits; targeted toolbox talks and briefings informed by objective biomechanical data.
HOW SUCCESS WAS MEASURED
MOVA assessments at Berth-4 before (November-2025) and after (March-2026) the biomechanist workshop showed a measurable reduction in back flexion during stern line mooring, early evidence that the training improves movement quality. Residual risks have been identified and documented to inform future QA briefings.
8 QAs took part in the assessments wearing MOVA sensors and all eight confirmed they would be happy to wear sensors at regular intervals going forward, a strong signal of workforce trust and buy-in. BMs described the engagement as positive and constructive.
This collaboration received strong support from senior Compliance and H&S stakeholders and operational teams at PIP.
| “Successes have definitely been found at the berth side where one of our most complex tasks occurs (pulling ropes). The evidence shown through the monitors has provided detail to change the stance when pulling… Performance has met or exceeded the success criteria and we have a much better idea and view of what the sensors can do and how. For PIP, we would certainly like to continue the discovery work around this — there are definitely benefits and use cases.” — Chris Hatter, Head of Compliance, Portsmouth International Port (CPC report, March 2026) |
Join Us
Find out more about the benefits of being a PSS member and how to apply.
Kathryn Angus, Port Health & Safety Officer, who spearheaded the initiative and facilitated the engagement with BMs and operational teams confirmed the value of objective data and evidence-led approach in understanding and reducing the risk of MSDs for current and future port staff.
Success was also seen in the engagement of operational teams: initial hesitation around wearable sensors gave way to genuine buy-in once the rationale was clearly explained, demonstrating that data-led safety approaches can be introduced in port environments.
PIP has identified a range of future use cases for embedding MOVA from periodic safety audits with objective evidence, data-driven toolbox and supporting targeted training improvements.
This submission to the award and PSS Members’ event is supported by PIP, a reflection of PIP’s confidence in the approach and its relevance to the wider UK ports safety community.