Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow

The purpose of this article is to present a methodical approach to increasing the efficiency of a tug with an azimuth stern drive (ASD). The difficulties in the bow-to-bow (as a reverse tractor) operations of an azimuth stern-drive tug, while pulling at the assisted (towed) ship’s bow, are investiga...

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Main Authors: Jarosław Artyszuk, Paweł Zalewski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-12-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/24/9519
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author Jarosław Artyszuk
Paweł Zalewski
author_facet Jarosław Artyszuk
Paweł Zalewski
author_sort Jarosław Artyszuk
collection DOAJ
description The purpose of this article is to present a methodical approach to increasing the efficiency of a tug with an azimuth stern drive (ASD). The difficulties in the bow-to-bow (as a reverse tractor) operations of an azimuth stern-drive tug, while pulling at the assisted (towed) ship’s bow, are investigated through a parametric study. The authors’ original generic analytical model of a tug in a steady state is utilised. Various design and operation options are also compared, which cover the escort speed, hawser angle, and relative location of the towing point, among others. The latter also means a shift to stern-to-bow operation. The thruster power required and the remaining surplus for executing new alignment (steering) orders are assessed. The study is, thus, aimed at energy savings for the whole operation and, consequently, at long-term harbour-tug-fleet energy effectiveness. The basic output of the present research is the comparison of the behavioural and control patterns of various tug arrangements at a ship’s bow. The results of the study show a slight advantage for a midship winch tug working through her stern for bow operation (stern-to-bow) over the reverse tractor acting bow-to-bow. Comparing various tug designs or operation options is difficult due to complicated tug dynamics and statics patterns under the hawser action. Both relative and absolute towing forces have to be considered (a high relative force may result in a low absolute force, much less than ordered by the pilot), with some geometrical and safety constraints additionally. The practical implementation of the conducted research should cover the guidance and training rendered to tug masters in the scope of the operational limitations of a particular tug and towards the design or acquisition of the tug that is best-suited for a particular harbour operation.
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spelling doaj.art-d7e4240199d54e31972471f9808af4e12023-11-24T14:38:29ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732022-12-011524951910.3390/en15249519Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s BowJarosław Artyszuk0Paweł Zalewski1Faculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, Wały Chrobrego St. 1-2, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandFaculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, Wały Chrobrego St. 1-2, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandThe purpose of this article is to present a methodical approach to increasing the efficiency of a tug with an azimuth stern drive (ASD). The difficulties in the bow-to-bow (as a reverse tractor) operations of an azimuth stern-drive tug, while pulling at the assisted (towed) ship’s bow, are investigated through a parametric study. The authors’ original generic analytical model of a tug in a steady state is utilised. Various design and operation options are also compared, which cover the escort speed, hawser angle, and relative location of the towing point, among others. The latter also means a shift to stern-to-bow operation. The thruster power required and the remaining surplus for executing new alignment (steering) orders are assessed. The study is, thus, aimed at energy savings for the whole operation and, consequently, at long-term harbour-tug-fleet energy effectiveness. The basic output of the present research is the comparison of the behavioural and control patterns of various tug arrangements at a ship’s bow. The results of the study show a slight advantage for a midship winch tug working through her stern for bow operation (stern-to-bow) over the reverse tractor acting bow-to-bow. Comparing various tug designs or operation options is difficult due to complicated tug dynamics and statics patterns under the hawser action. Both relative and absolute towing forces have to be considered (a high relative force may result in a low absolute force, much less than ordered by the pilot), with some geometrical and safety constraints additionally. The practical implementation of the conducted research should cover the guidance and training rendered to tug masters in the scope of the operational limitations of a particular tug and towards the design or acquisition of the tug that is best-suited for a particular harbour operation.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/24/9519azimuth stern driveASD tugbow tug assistanceenergy efficiencytowing effectivenessharbour manoeuvring
spellingShingle Jarosław Artyszuk
Paweł Zalewski
Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow
Energies
azimuth stern drive
ASD tug
bow tug assistance
energy efficiency
towing effectiveness
harbour manoeuvring
title Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow
title_full Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow
title_fullStr Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow
title_full_unstemmed Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow
title_short Power Consumption and Effectiveness of Azimuth Stern-Drive (ASD) Tug While Assisting at Ship’s Bow
title_sort power consumption and effectiveness of azimuth stern drive asd tug while assisting at ship s bow
topic azimuth stern drive
ASD tug
bow tug assistance
energy efficiency
towing effectiveness
harbour manoeuvring
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/24/9519
work_keys_str_mv AT jarosławartyszuk powerconsumptionandeffectivenessofazimuthsterndriveasdtugwhileassistingatshipsbow
AT pawełzalewski powerconsumptionandeffectivenessofazimuthsterndriveasdtugwhileassistingatshipsbow