Joint Industry Project

Bollard Pull Standard

Background 1.14
kbasedonbollardpull5minutesfullscaleat560RPM

The bollard pull of a tug, offshore supply vessel or fishing boat is an 1.12
L/Lt=1.0
important parameter from a contractual and commercial point of view. 1.1
correctionfactork[]

L/Lt=0.8
L/Lt=0.6
The bollard pull is defined as the mean exerted force at zero speed for a 1.08
L/Lt=0.4

certain period of time.

1.06
L/Lt=0.40
1.04 L/Lt=0.50
L/Lt=0.60
1.02
For the determination of the bollard pull the ITS2002 Bollard Pull Trial L/Lt=0.80
1 L/Lt=1.00
Code is currently the standard [1]. In this Code are described the bollard 0.98
L/Lt=1.50

pull trial conduct, the criteria and the corrections on the measured 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
d/dmin[]
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

bollard pull for non-ideal conditions. The completeness and corrections

kbasedonbollardpull10minutesfullscaleat560RPM
applied in this Code, however, are disputable. 1.14

1.12
L/Lt=1.0

A first exploration with systematic model tests to determine the 1.1

correctionfactork[]

L/Lt=0.8

1.08 L/Lt=0.6
corrections of varying water depth and distance to the quay on the L/Lt=0.4
1.06
measured bollard pull was conducted at MARIN in November 2013 [2]. L/Lt=0.40
1.04 L/Lt=0.50
The measured corrections were compared with the current Code. L/Lt=0.60
1.02
Corrections for tow line length and water depth according to the Code 1
L/Lt=0.80
L/Lt=1.00

can be as high as 14%. The model tests resulted in significantly lower 0.98
L/Lt=1.50

corrections for water depth and tow line length as illustrated in the 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
d/dmin[]
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

figure below. Black lines: ITS2002 publication and the coloured lines: current model tests.

In the ITS2002 Bollard Pull Trial Code is also stated that the aim is to Objectives
start a discussion regarding bollard pull with an internationally accepted
Discuss with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the towing
bollard pull as the ultimate goal. However, this has never resulted in a
industry their experiences and issues during bollard pull trials and
final standard. Currently, the bollard pull determination is interpreted
determination.
differently even by Classification Societies.
Obtain insight into the relevance of parameters based on their
influence on the magnitude of the measured bollard pull.
With the Bollard Pull Standard JIP the relevant parameters that can be of
For the relevant parameters determine acceptable correction
influence on the bollard pull will be investigated. The aim is to develop
methods for the measured bollard pull.
an improved method for the bollard pull trial and bollard pull
Develop an improved and generally accepted bollard pull
determination which is generally accepted by all parties involved.
V. 2014/05/26_T&M

measurement standard for the towing industry.

MARI N 6700 AA Wageningen T +31 317 49 39 11 E info@marin.nl

P.O. Box 28 The Netherlands F +31 317 49 32 45 I www.marin.nl
To achieve these objectives the co-operation of stakeholders in the References
towing industry is needed. They can provide the necessary experience,
[1] Bollard Pull Trial Code proposal, ITS 2002, Hannu Jukola and Anders
facilitate the full scale trials and provide feedback. Their input is an
Skogman, Steerprop Ltd, Finland.
important guidance for the development of a generally accepted
standard.
[2] MIIP pilot project: Bollard Pull Standard, Model tests to measure
effect of water depth and tow line length on bollard pull Trial Code,
Scope of work MARIN report No. 26756-1-TM, January 2014.
The following main activities are distinguished:
1. Review of existing methods and Regulations.
2. Review of existing bollard pull locations and location bound
parameters.
3. Enumerate and select all relevant parameters.
4. Develop correction methods for the relevant parameters.
5. Select the necessary instrumentation and set-up.
6. Develop a report standard.
7. Draw up a complete code of conduct.

For the development of the correction methods, applied systematic

model tests, full scale trials and Computational Fluid Dynamics
calculations will be applied. The method used will depend on the
Iskes tug Brent on bollard pull trial
parameter to be investigated and the measurement practicality.

Deliverables
The project will deliver specifications for the instrumentation and bollard
pull conduct standard. The corrections on the measured bollard pull that
are to be applied for the relevant parameters will be set out in a report.

Organisation
MARIN will lead this JIP in close co-operation with their participants.
Design offices, ship yards, shipping companies, suppliers and
classification societies are all invited to join this JIP.
Participant Meetings will be held every 6 months as part of the vessel
operator forum.
Model tests at MARIN December 2013

Schedule
The running time of the Bollard Pull Standard JIP is 1.5 years. The JIP is For more information please contact the department Trials & Monitoring;
scheduled to start in September 2014 and to finish in February 2016. Alfons Bruning Henk van den Boom
T +31 317 49 33 65 +31 317 49 33 53
E a.bruning@marin.nl h.v.d.boom@marin.nl