The Danish towage group is tackling the risk of heaving line transfer to tugs through remote control innovation
The Danish towage group is tackling the risk of heaving line transfer to tugs through remote control innovation
Maersk group subsidiary Svitzer is preparing to test a landmark tug technology that should reduce the risk to deck crew during the transfer of towing lines.
It has started trialling the industry’s first remotely operated line-catching technology prototype.
This should demonstrate a safer method of transferring a heaving line from an assisted ship to a tug. Crew on the tug connect heaving lines to the towing line, which is then heaved up to the assisted ship.
This process has been identified as one of the most critical, and dangerous, parts of day-to-day towage operations as either the tug needs to be controlled close to the assisted ship’s bow, risking collision in adverse weather or the assisted ship crew throw an unsafe-weighted heaving line down to the tug.
Svitzer’s new prototype line catcher is remotely operated from the wheelhouse to catch and secure the connecting vessel’s heaving line.
It has a wingspan of between 6-7 m when activated. Therefore, crew on the connecting vessel has a larger target area to aim the heaving line weight and no member of the tug’s crew is exposed during the process. It has an automated catching arm to secure the heaving line.
The line handler consists of a hydraulically controlled set of catching arms, fitted on the foredeck of the tug. It includes an automated tying mechanism that connects the heaving line with the tug’s rope line in a safe and efficient manner.
The catching arms and the tying mechanism are remotely operated from the bridge. With the line catcher in place, assisted ship crews can use adequately weighted lines without risk to Svitzer personnel.
“Catching and securing a vessel’s heaving line is a key area that has always presented significant risk for towage operator crews,” said Svitzer global chief operating officer Leonardo Sonzio. “We have spent considerable time and resource over the past year looking at how we can make a difference.”
He said Svitzer has an obligation and duty of care to improve safety standards and test technology to reduce risk.
“We are hopeful that this new line handling technology is the step-change that is required and will set a new benchmark for safety excellence within the market,” said Mr Sonzio.
Svitzer will install and test its remotely controlled deck mechanism on tug Svitzer Trym, which is part of its Scandinavian fleet.
Trials will include documenting and analysing performance in a live operational environment and recording how the technology is impacted by weather and other factors.
Tests could lead to further improvements to the prototype to enhance safety and efficiency.
Svitzer expects the testing process will define clear requirements and standards that will need to be implemented for the training of crews in effectively and safely operating the remote line catcher.
The installation is being conducted in consultation and with final approval from classification society, Lloyd’s Register.
Mr Sonzio thinks this technical innovation could lead to additional jobs for Svitzer tugs and be a benchmark for the future.
“The towage sector must evolve by developing and improving to meet the changing requirements of its customers and safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of the crews that operate on the front line,” said Mr Sonzio.
“We know there is power in being a first mover, and we do not want to sit still, particularly when our actions as an organisation can secure jobs in the future, and directly improve safety for our people and efficiency for our customers.”
Svitzer is no stranger to towage innovations. Last year, Svitzer turned to Samson Rope to overcome the challenges of deploying stronger and lighter rope on medium-sized tugs.
Svitzer needed a different approach to tow ropes on its mid-range tugboats, which have bollard pulls of 50-70 tonnes, than using fibre towing lines.
Together they developed cost-effective towing ropes made from a blend of materials for strength, performance and endurance.
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