Search for higher safety of a tug-barge convoy (TBC) in towing necessitates risk reduction of towline failure. That requires determination of the static and dynamic forces on the towline at.
A mathematical design model of the complete towing system has been built where the rope pull of the tug and overall tension on the towline determine the tow equilibrium, e.g. the maximum attainable speed. The model computes both static and dynamic forces induced by tug and marge motions as well as catenary’s depth and scope in given weather conditions to help the TBC personnel to operate the convoy with an acceptable safety margin
The implemented code was applied to an AGIP convoy operated around the Kashagan oil field in the North-Eastern Caspian Sea, where it is mandatory to evaluate also the effects of extreme shallow water conditions on the risk of towline failure and actual maximum towing speed.
