AUTOMATIC BARGE CONTROL

The ABC (Automatic Barge Control) system described enables towed barges with ship-shaped forebodies to be used. A simple mechanism allows the pull in the towing hawser from the tug to be applied to the barge through a bridle, one end of which is connected to one of the two outboard ends of an athwartships beam pivoted on the barge centreline about one-sixth of the barge length aft. Each end of the beam is also connected rearwards to the control of a streamlined balanced rudder. The arrangement tends to automatically correct yawing of the towed barge and, together with the beneficial effects of the shaped forebody, results in a directional stability at least as good as that of a conventional ship and a much reduced towing resistance per ton of displacement. The towing arrangement is described in some detail.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Further information can be obtained in MRIS Abstract #07 156267. From proceedings of Fourth International Tug Convention
• Corporate Authors:

  International Tug Convention (4th)

  New Orleans, LA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Nelson, A J
• Publication Date: 1975-10-20

Media Info

• Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barges; Directional stability; Maneuverability; Steering components; Steering systems; Towboat operations; Towed barges; Vehicle design; Yaw; Yaw
• Old TRIS Terms: Barge configurations; Barge maneuverability; Course stability; Steering equipment; Steering system design; Tow maneuverability
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00156268
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 22 1977 12:00AM