The First Escort Tractor Voith Tug with a Bulbous Bow: Analysis and Consequences

Abstract

On February, 15th 2005, Gondán S.A. shipyard in the north-west of Spain handed over the escort tractor Voith tug “VELOX” to the Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi AS, the first of this type in the world to incorporate a bulbous bow. After generally making a reference to the benefits obtained by the incorporation of a bulbous bow regarding the reduction of the ship's resistance, we specifically analyse the consequences derived from the incorporation of this appendage in an escort tractor Voith tug concerning its real operating conditions when carrying out escort tasks, especially when using the indirect towing method.