PERCEIVED ADVANTAGES OF Z-DRIVE ESCORT TUGS

A research and development program was launched to investigate the suitability of different tugs to escort duty as well as the efficiency of different escort operation modes. As a part of this program a concept for a multi-purpose stern drive tug with improved escort capabilities was developed. This escort tug concept is named the Towliner. The research program included full scale escort trials on both stern drive and a tractor tug as well as complete model tests for the Towliner and for a state-of-the-art Z-drive tractor tug. The towing tank Towliner model used in these tests was equipped with steerable azimuth thrusters with ducted propeller. The tests showed that the use of the thrusters in escort tugs in not only feasible but also safe, enabling the tug to utilise not only reverse and indirect arrest methods but also the very efficient transverse and combination modes.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • ITS '94, Intl Towage and Salvage Convention, 17-21 Oct 1994; Southampton, UK. Procs. Publ by Thomas Reed Publications, UK, ISBN 0 901281 58 1. Day 3, ppr 7, p 163 [14 p, 9 ref, 2 tab, 22 fig]
  • Authors:
    • Gale, C
    • Eronen, H
  • Publication Date: 1994

Language

  • English

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00728256
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 4 1996 12:00AM