The capacity to perform as an 'emergency rudder' for assisted vessels is not produced by the tug's propellers, but by the hydrodynamic forces derived from the tug's hull form. Therefore we have developed significant improvements in hull lines and steering fins. Our escort tugs typically have an independently certified steering pull at 10 knots which is about twice as high as the tug’s bollard pull.
When the tug is acting as an 'emergency rudder' quick manoeuvring and the ability to shift quickly from starboard to port side of the ship – maintaining the right tension in the towline at all times – is of vital importance.
Our escort tug designs include optimized displacement and lower bow height/forecastle in order to reduce the heeling moment from the transverse towline pull. Precise location and shape of the fin and a Voith propeller system are required in order to obtain optimum escort performance.
|
 |
|
