Emergency Towing Vessel Needs Assessment

Summary

This study assesses emergency towing vessel needs for different types of large, high windage ships. Clear Seas commissioned Vard Marine Inc. to examine the capabilities needed by a single ETV to be able to render assistance to a disabled ship drifting onto Canada’s Pacific coast. The analysis, part of Clear Seas’ Marine Transportation Corridors project, is intended to inform decision makers, response professionals and the public regarding the extensive capabilities that are required to be able to respond to emergency towing scenarios.

The report describes desirable characteristics for ETVs capable of open ocean operations, concluding large and powerful ETVs are needed to cope with the difficult conditions off the Pacific coast. It goes beyond propulsion power and bollard pull needs to highlight other characteristics such as ship attachment points, vessel reach and endurance, and human factors.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Data Collection
• Analysis and Assessment
• Tug and ETV Requirements
• Summary
• References

Key Takeaway

This report describes desirable characteristics for ETVs, emphasizing the need to have relatively large and powerful vessels equipped with trained crew and sufficient equipment to cope with Pacific coast conditions. The conclusions are relevant elsewhere, as similar types of ships encounter comparable wind and wave conditions in Canada’s Atlantic region. Learn more about ETVs and how their use differs around the world.

Research Team

Vard Marine Inc. (VARD) on behalf of Clear Seas.