THE USE OF TUGS

Introduction to training of the Masters and Officers for large container ships
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Type of tugs
Grouping the different types of tugs according to their working methods provides the following broad categories:

Conventional tugs
Tractor tugs Azimuth stern drive tugs (ASD) Rotor type

Conventional tug

Conventional tug without gob rope

Conventional tug - with gob rope

Tractor tug

Advantages of Conventional Tug: > Powerful with good directional stability at speed. > Suitable hull for open water and working in a seaway. Disadvantages: > Might be slow and limited in its maneuverability and ability to reposition quickly. > Risk of interaction.

Advantages of Tractor Tugs: > Effective thrust over 360 degrees. > Outstanding maneuverability. > Able to reposition quickly if so required by the pilot. > Improved operational capability in a restricted area such as a lock or an enclosed dock. Disadvantages: > Handling in an open seaway is poor due to the short distance between pivot point and thrust > Heeling angle with full side thrust may be up to 21 deg. Therefore, risk of damage can exist when layng alongside a ship.

Azimuth stern drive tug

Advantages of Azimuth Stern drive Tug: > Better directional stability at speed. > More suitable hull for open water and working in a seaway. Disadvantages: > Side stepping ability not as good. > Slightly more at risk from the effects of interaction. > It is not uncommon for 99% of all towing to be limited to the forward position.

Rotor type
> 3 omnidirectional propellers: > 2 forward > 1 aft > 85T B.P. > As a tractor type with a rotor instead of the skeg > Advantage: > Full manoeuvrability > Full power on 360

> Safer manuvres (still 2 propellers if one is out)

> Disadvantage: > 3 independent controls requiring a dedicated training

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ROTOR TYPE TUG

Owned Fleet Weekly Status

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Balancing the tugs

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Balancing the tugs

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Tugs alongside
- making headway

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Tugs alongside
- making sternway

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Bollard Pull vs. Wind Force

> Total exposed area 7000 sq meters

> If we know the predicted wind speed for the intended movement it is possible to establish a rough idea as to the force in tones that the ship is likely to experience.

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Bollard Pull vs. Wind Force

Example: Wind speed = 30 knots / 15 m/s Wind speed in meters per second (V)
Wind force in tones per 1000 sq. m V2/18

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Multi-Tug Movement

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Ship making sternway

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Ship stopped new tugs configuration

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Ship making sternway - new tugs configuration

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Wind effect for indicated areas Bollard Pull Numbers

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Wind effect for indicated area

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Cross current TBP on underwater surface

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