V.L.C.C. TOWING EXERCISE PROVES 9000 H.P. TUG

An exercise involving a trial tow of the Shell tanker Metula by the 9000 hp. Smit tug Rode Zee was organized with the aim of determining the practicability of towing a vessel of the 210,000 t dw class, both from the point of view of linking up the tow and the maneuverability of the towed vessel. The trim of the Metula had been deliberately chosen as one foot by the head to determine the towing performance in the worst condition. During the operation a wind force of 3/4 rising to force 5 in the latter part of the trial was experienced. The highest speed reached was 7.36 knots. In the force 3/4 cross wind Metula held a strong weatherly course, well to the windward of the tug. The propeller of Metula was kept turning free throughout, and it was found that to avoid yawing it was necessary for the tanker to do a great deal of steering herself. The forward trim of the tanker was gradually removed and it was discovered that both the speed of the ship increased to 7.5 knots and the steering qualities greatly improved once stern trim was achieved. Some details of the towing gear and maneuvering are given.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transport and Technical Publications Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  London,   England 
• Publication Date: 1970-3-27

Media Info

• Pagination: 25 p.
• Serial:
  • Shipbuilding and Shipping Record
  • Volume: 115
  • Issue Number: N12
  • Publisher: Transport and Technical Publications Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Maneuverability; Towboat operations; Towing devices
• Old TRIS Terms: Course stability; Deep sea towing; Tow maneuverability
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00014883
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1972 12:00AM