International Paint A global company
providing coatings and service to the marine industry within New Zealand
and throughout the world
Being transported from the yard to deep water for launching
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For information on our range of Marine and Protective coatings, phone 0800 808 807 or visit www.international-marine.com
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pilot's laptop computer as the bow or stern passes within metres of other ships or wharves. With this in mind, the management team's decision
to remain with a Voith water tractor tug was logical, as they had proven ability as a stable platform at sea and an excellent reputation for indirect towing and manoeuvring ships within tight confines. A Voith water tug had the lowest risk and highest operating ability from a ship- handling perspective within their environs. "Azimuth stern-drive tugs hold unknown risks inherent in their design when performing manoeuvres such as indirect turns that are critical in ship handling to Napier," says the Port of Napier's marine services manager, Paul Hines.
Design and technology can improve these types of tugs,
but port staff still perceive them as being a risk, due to Napier's unique operational requirements in sea and swells. A high bollard pull is required to counter the high wind loads on larger ships in Napier's keen prevailing nor'westerly wind, especially during the equinoxes. The tugs have to have sufficient power to push slab-sided ships up into the wind at some of the berths. For larger ships, the turn from the fairway entrance into the main basin may utilise indirect towing techniques because of their length, turning ability, speed, wind conditions and the pilot's judgement. Paul says tugs have an effective working life of 20 years in a port environment, as service and through-life costs
For all your specialist aluminium boat building applications
189 Stanley Road, Gisborne
Tony 027 581 5007, Factory 06 868 6519 tony@whitepointerboats.co.nz
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