Search

NO-20240967-A1 -

NO20240967A1NO 20240967 A1NO20240967 A1NO 20240967A1NO-20240967-A1

Dates

Publication Date
20260325
Application Date
20240924
Priority Date
20240924

Claims (12)

  1. 1. Patent claims 1. An emergency towing system (10) adapted for mounting on a ship, wherein the emergency towing system comprises: - a winch (12) with a towline (14), where the winch (12) is arranged to function as an anchor point for a tow, - a float (16) attached to the towline (14), - a gripping mechanism (20) which, on signal, is arranged to release the buoy (16) and the towline (14) into the sea, wherein - the floating weight (16) during said free release to sea is arranged to pull along a distance line (50) with a drift anchor (52) and one or more floating blowers (54,56).
  2. 2. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, comprising a chamber (18) adapted to accommodate said spacing line (50), drift anchor (52) and buoyancy blower (54,56), each of which is adapted to be pulled out in sequence when the buoyancy weight (16) is released.
  3. 3. The emergency towing system according to claim 2, wherein said distance line (50), drift anchor (52) and buoyancy blower (54,56) are each hooked to a rope that is connected to a mechanical snap shackle at one end and to the buoyancy weight (16) at a second end, wherein the snap shackle is arranged to release said distance line (50), drift anchor (52) and buoyancy blower (54,56) when the buoyancy weight (16) is released.
  4. 4. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, wherein the gripping mechanism (20) comprises pressure-controlled gripping arms (22) arranged for insertion into locking grooves (28) on the buoyant weight (16).
  5. 5. The emergency towing system according to claim 4, wherein said gripping arms (22) are L-shaped arms which, upon activation of the gripping mechanism (20), are arranged to rotate towards an open position and to push the float (16) out of a seat (26).
  6. 6. The emergency towing system according to claim 4, wherein the gripping arms (22) are equipped with tension springs to ensure a locked position in the event of a pressure failure.
  7. 7. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, wherein the gripping mechanism (20) comprises sensors for detecting open and locked positions.
  8. 8. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, wherein the system is remotely controlled and is arranged to receive a signal to activate the release of the buoyant weight (16) and the towing line (14).
  9. 9. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a mechanical lever (30) for releasing the winch (12) and for activating the free release of the buoyant weight (16) and the towing line (14), wherein the lever (30) is adapted for mounting on the deck of the ship.
  10. 10. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, wherein the winch (12) comprises a dynamic brake (46) with permanent magnet brakes connected to an actuator (44) for applying braking force to the winch (12).
  11. 11. The emergency towing system according to claims 1-10, wherein the main components of the system, such as buoyancy weight (16), winch (12), gripping mechanism (20) and chamber (18) with distance line (50), driving anchor (52) and buoyancy blower (54,56), are mounted in a mounting frame (24) integrated in the bow of the ship.
  12. 12. The emergency towing system according to claim 1, wherein the winch (12) is designed as a storage drum (40) arranged to function as a towing attachment for the towing line (14).

Description

[0001] Emergency towing system for ships [0003] Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to an emergency towing system for ships. [0006] Background of the invention [0007] Emergency towing systems for ships are essential to ensure safe towing in emergency situations, such as engine failure, steering problems or other technical failures. These systems are designed to prevent a ship from drifting into dangerous areas, such as shoals or coastlines, and can be crucial in avoiding environmental disasters or loss of life. [0009] In today's emergency towing systems for ships, strong towing ropes or cables are often used and are usually made of steel or synthetic materials that are strong enough to withstand high forces during towing. Furthermore, towing hooks are often used to connect the ship to a tugboat. They may be designed for quick disconnection in case of danger, so that the tugboat can free itself from the towed ship quickly. [0011] Emergency towing systems require the ship to have reinforced points for attaching the towing ropes. These must be strong enough to withstand the stress of towing in rough weather conditions. [0013] Loading/unloading systems may be used to bring the towing equipment aboard the distressed vessel. This may include winches and hoists that help secure the ropes and towing equipment in place. [0015] In some cases, the emergency towing system must be able to be deployed quickly, especially in an emergency situation where the ship is drifting towards land. Some systems have automatic activation or manual mechanisms for rapid deployment. [0017] There are international standards such as IMO (International Maritime Organization) guidelines, which set requirements for the types of emergency towing systems ships must have, depending on the type and size of the ship. [0019] Emergency towing systems are part of a ship's emergency equipment and are essential for safety at sea. [0020] Review of prior art [0021] There are a number of known solutions for emergency towing systems. Common to the solutions is that towlines are deployed and securing attachment points on ships. Often a combination of strong tow ropes, hooks and winches is used that can handle extreme conditions at sea. [0023] Emergency towing systems also exist that include automatic towing hooks and quick-coupling systems that make it possible to quickly connect ships to a tugboat in emergency situations. [0025] Purpose of the present invention [0026] Should a ship lose propulsion or the like, there may be a need for towing assistance. There is therefore a need for a solution that makes such an operation as safe as possible, but also as practical as possible. The present emergency towing system works both with manned and unmanned ships. It is therefore an object to provide an emergency towing system that can automatically deploy the necessary emergency towing equipment to the sea, and which can also be remotely activated. [0028] An emergency towing system according to the invention is intended to make it easier for the towing vessel and crew to get hold of the towing line and perform an operation without increasing the risk of being too close to the vessel to be towed. This reduces the risk of damage to the ship, equipment and crew during such operations. [0030] An emergency towing system according to the invention will be a safety feature should an undesirable situation arise. The system is designed to make towing operations efficient and safe. [0032] Summary of the Invention [0033] According to the invention, an emergency towing system is provided, adapted for mounting on a ship. The emergency towing system comprises a winch with a towing line, the winch being adapted to function as an anchor point for a tow, and a float attached to the towing line, and a gripping mechanism which, on a signal, is adapted to release the float and the towing line to the sea. The float is, during said release to the sea, adapted to pull along a distance line with a drift anchor and one or more buoyancy blowers. [0034] The emergency towing system may comprise a chamber arranged to accommodate said distance line, drift anchor and buoyancy blower, each of which is arranged to be pulled out in sequence when the buoyancy weight is released. [0036] The distance line, the drift anchor and the buoyancy blowers may each be hooked to a rope that is connected to a mechanical snap shackle at one end and to the buoyancy weight at a second end, wherein the snap shackle is arranged to release said distance line, drift anchor and buoyancy blower when the buoyancy weight is released. [0038] The gripping mechanism preferably comprises pressure-controlled gripping arms arranged for insertion into locking grooves on the floating weight. [0040] The gripping arms may in one embodiment be L-shaped arms which, upon activation of the gripping mechanism, are arranged to rotate towards the open position and to push the floating weight out of a seat. [0042] Fo