This limitation means that ship's with rounded or tapered sterns and those berthing bow in are likely to hit the end of the linkspan with consequential damage. Later developments allow for the berthing energy to be absorbed through the linkspan at the hinge but this will not protect from overriding of the ship or uplift from the bulbous bow.
This restriction implies that ships with rounded or tapered sterns and those berthing at their bow are prone to collide with the end of the linkspan, causing damage. Subsequent advancements enable the berthing energy to be absorbed by the linkspan through the hinge; however, they do not prevent the ship from being overwhelmed or lifted by the bulbous bow.