The static force exerted on a hawser at zero ship speed by a vessel, otherwise known as the bollard pull, is one of the key performance indicators of Tugs, Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs) and Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTSVs).The value of bollard pull is considered critical as it defines the functionality and performance of the vessel. When a company decides on chartering a vessel, a definite prerequisite considered is the value of the bollard pull. The value may be obtained via three ways: calculations, model-testing and full-scale trials. The latter is often used officially to certify the vessel's bollard pull rating, with the presence of the vessel's owners, surveyors and any other third parties. The tests and trials follow a set of guidelines provided by classification societies but do not have a standardized set of rules. Therefore, disagreements often arise over the results of such tests and trials. Tests are often carried without any load cells measuring the shaft power to ascertain the BHP. Simply, engine rpm/rating is used to fix the 100% MCR which often in the range of 105–108% MCR. Some of the parties involved in certifying the correct bollard pull tests do not even understand what is all about the bollard pull. Everybody is looking for a higher figure for the bollard pull on the certificate when the reality is different. The author examines and discusses the broad spectrum of factors that affects the 'true' value of the bollard pull and explains why such a standardized set of mandatory bollard pull test and the trial code is deemed necessary. The author also presents some of the interesting bollard pull tests data to show the differences in various ways of conducting bollard pull tests.
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Various Aspects of Bollard Pull Tests and Analysis of Test Results
Arun Kr Dev
Arun Kr Dev
Newcastle University International Singapore (NUIS)
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Paper presented at the SNAME Maritime Convention, Bellevue, Washington, USA, November 2016.
Paper Number:
SNAME-SMC-2016-061
Published:
November 01 2016
Citation
Dev, Arun Kr. "Various Aspects of Bollard Pull Tests and Analysis of Test Results." Paper presented at the SNAME Maritime Convention, Bellevue, Washington, USA, November 2016.
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