ZOptimization of tug operations

1 1 Optimization of tug operations July, 1st, 2015 Hogeschool Rotterdam Manager: Mrs. van de Drift Principal: Ms. van den Berk Wesley Looise 0890145 Marc Boot 0903020 Ferdie Krug 0889730 Jimmy Ettema 0889989 Bob Bouhof 0888350 2 Management summary Introduction For more than a hundred years tug-boats have been assisting sea ships while entering and leaving the port of Rotterdam. The towing methods and towing equipment have both been improved ever since. Also the safety on board of the tug-boats has been greatly enhanced. Nowadays research is taking place to look for further optimization regarding the use of tug-boats in the port of Rotterdam.

2 Conclusions and recommendations Nowadays, big vessels are not assisted by conventional tug boats, but by azimuthal stern drive(ASD) tugs. Sometimes (for example in Rotterdam) tractor tugs will be used to assist vessels. For reasons of safety and efficiency conventional tugs are hardly used anymore to assist a big vessel. In the future, new build tugboats will be fitted with either a Voith-Schneider propulsion system or a propulsion system using azimuth thrusters. Because these are the most efficient means that are at hand right now.

3 Azimuth thrusters have the highest efficiency of them all. Current studies are now focussing on how to improve the efficiency on the electricity production and converting this energy to mechanical energy. It is a hard job to come up with new ideas to improve the present towing methods and procedures. The reason behind this is that tug-boats have assisted large vessel for over hundreds of years and nowadays the tug boat captains work with all the techniques that were practically the same as 40 years ago. The towing nowadays is already very efficient. Every day of every year, everyone involved is working on safety and it gets improved by determination and experience.

4 As it is, safety is on everyone s mind and this is certainly a good thing. Augmented reality is a state of the art technology that can be the solution for showing obstructed parts. However it is not known if it can be implemented and if the benefits are sufficient. Problem solution The TUC-system is the solution to address the communication problems between pilot and tugboat master. It is clear for everyone on the bridge and it is not possible for other ships to interfere when the system is in operation. This is a big problem while using the VHF. It is also a solution regarding the white-noise that is bothering the VHF-communication.

5 Conclusion The answer to the question How can tug operations be optimized? : Tug-boat operations can be optimized by implementing the TUC-system on board of the tug-boat and the vessel that is to be towed. Recommendation Based on the performed research it is recommended that more research should be done to make the TUC-system ready for operation. After the system has been tested and approved, it is ready for implementation. 3 Preface This project was created to come up with new innovative methods and techniques to make towing more efficient. It was also created for students to gain more knowledge about how a research should be performed.

6 This project group started to write down as much information as possible. After gathering enough information, the hardest part was yet to come. The hardest part was coming up with new technologies. In the end various concepts, effects and possible implications regarding the latest maritime technologies are included in this report. This project group would like to thank mrs. van de Drift and ms. van den Berk for giving us a lot of helpful advice. Rotterdam, 7th July 2015 Marc Boot, Bob Bouhof, Jimmy Ettema, Ferdie Krug and Wesley Looise. 4 Table of Contents Management summary.

7 2 Introduction .. 2 Problem .. Fout! Bladwijzer niet gedefinieerd. Our Findings .. Fout! Bladwijzer niet gedefinieerd. Problem solution .. 2 Conclusion .. 2 Recommendation .. 2 Preface .. 3 1. Introduction .. 7 Problem description .. 8 Problem definition .. 8 Main questions & sub questions .. 9 Main question .. 9 Sub questions .. 9 Research methods .. 10 Project borders .. 11 2. Current situation regarding the use of tug .. 12 Introduction .. 12 Conventional tugs .. 13 Tractor type tugs .. 14 Azimuth stern drive (ASD) 15 ROTOR tug.

8 15 Conclusion .. 16 3. Efficient means of propulsion .. 17 Introduction .. 17 The conventional propeller .. 18 The fixed pitch 18 The controllable pitch propeller .. 18 Ducted propellers .. 19 Voith-Schneider (VSP, cycloidal drive) .. 19 Azimuth thrusters .. 20 5 Bow thrusters .. 20 How can a more efficient means of propulsion be achieved? .. 21 4. Towing methods and procedures .. 23 Introduction .. 23 Direct/indirect towing method .. 24 Tug wash effects .. 24 New type of thruster .. 25 Procedure .. 25 Conclusion.

9 26 5. Communication .. 27 Introduction .. 27 Present means of communication.. 28 New ways of communication .. 28 Towing Universal Commands .. 29 What is Towing Universal Commands .. 29 Using the TUC to enhance safety .. 29 What role can the VHF play after implementing the TUC? .. 29 Possible extra features on the TUC .. 29 Beta-example of the application .. 30 Starting the system .. 30 Communication by internet connection .. 30 Working with an internet connection .. 30 Why using the internet as network .. 31 Communication by AIS connection .. 32 Working with the AIS signal.

10 33 .. 33 Signal in the time slot .. 34 6. Safety .. 35 Introduction .. 35 Safety procedures during tug operations .. 35 Safety during towing operations .. 36 Interview Smit .. 37 6 Conclusion .. 37 7. New technologies and innovations .. 38 Introduction .. 38 Research methods .. 38 Augmented reality .. 39 Conclusion .. 40 8. Conclusion .. 41 9. Recommendations .. 44 10. Literature list .. 45 7 1. Introduction Towing operations are critical operations in all the ports of the world. Therefore this branch of the industry is big and has many different aspects.