Joint Industry Project

Bollard Pull Standard

Background

kbasedonbollardpull5minutesfullscaleat560RPM

1.14

The bollard pull of a tug, offshore supply vessel or fishing boat is an

important parameter from a contractual and commercial point of view.
The bollard pull is defined as the mean exerted force at zero speed for a
certain period of time.

1.12

correctionfactork[]

L/Lt=1.0

For the determination of the bollard pull the ITS2002 Bollard Pull Trial
Code is currently the standard [1]. In this Code are described the bollard
pull trial conduct, the criteria and the corrections on the measured
bollard pull for non-ideal conditions. The completeness and corrections
applied in this Code, however, are disputable.

1.1

L/Lt=0.8
L/Lt=0.6

1.08

L/Lt=0.4
1.06

L/Lt=0.40
L/Lt=0.50

1.04

L/Lt=0.60

1.02

L/Lt=0.80

L/Lt=1.00
L/Lt=1.50

0.98
0

0.1

0.2

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d/dmin[]

kbasedonbollardpull10minutesfullscaleat560RPM
1.14
1.12

With the Bollard Pull Standard JIP the relevant parameters that can be of
influence on the bollard pull will be investigated. The aim is to develop
an improved method for the bollard pull trial and bollard pull
determination which is generally accepted by all parties involved.

MARI N
P.O. Box 28

6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands

1.1

L/Lt=0.8
L/Lt=0.6

1.08

L/Lt=0.4
1.06

L/Lt=0.40
L/Lt=0.50

1.04

L/Lt=0.60

1.02

L/Lt=0.80

L/Lt=1.00
L/Lt=1.50

0.98
0

0.1

0.2

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0.5

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0.7

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d/dmin[]

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

Objectives

Discuss with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the towing

industry their experiences and issues during bollard pull trials and
determination.
Obtain insight into the relevance of parameters based on their
influence on the magnitude of the measured bollard pull.
For the relevant parameters determine acceptable correction
methods for the measured bollard pull.
Develop an improved and generally accepted bollard pull
measurement standard for the towing industry.

T +31 317 49 39 11
F +31 317 49 32 45

E info@marin.nl
I www.marin.nl

V. 2014/05/26_T&M

In the ITS2002 Bollard Pull Trial Code is also stated that the aim is to
start a discussion regarding bollard pull with an internationally accepted
bollard pull as the ultimate goal. However, this has never resulted in a
final standard. Currently, the bollard pull determination is interpreted
differently even by Classification Societies.

correctionfactork[]

L/Lt=1.0

A first exploration with systematic model tests to determine the

corrections of varying water depth and distance to the quay on the
measured bollard pull was conducted at MARIN in November 2013 [2].
The measured corrections were compared with the current Code.
Corrections for tow line length and water depth according to the Code
can be as high as 14%. The model tests resulted in significantly lower
corrections for water depth and tow line length as illustrated in the
figure below.

To achieve these objectives the co-operation of stakeholders in the

towing industry is needed. They can provide the necessary experience,
facilitate the full scale trials and provide feedback. Their input is an
important guidance for the development of a generally accepted
standard.

Scope of work

References
[1] Bollard Pull Trial Code proposal, ITS 2002, Hannu Jukola and Anders
Skogman, Steerprop Ltd, Finland.
[2] MIIP pilot project: Bollard Pull Standard, Model tests to measure
effect of water depth and tow line length on bollard pull Trial Code,
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
parameter to be investigated and the measurement practicality.

Iskes tug Brent on bollard pull trial

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
scheduled to start in September 2014 and to finish in February 2016.

For more information please contact the department Trials & Monitoring;
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