Detachable Underwater Thrusters for Dynamic Positioning

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Next generation ship positioning technology eliminating the towrope

Page last modified

August 4 2023

Tow-botic Systems has developed a patented technology to use autonomous underwater thrusters for precise ship navigation in constrained spaces. It greatly improves efficiency and lowers emissions, as well as operating costs.

Tugboats use ropes to pull and push a ship in the harbour, but ropes cause critical delays when the tug has to move into position leading to accidents. Our technology uses zero emission underwater robots (Towbots) to attach thrusters directly to ships upon arrival in port. The ship can then be controlled directly by the pilot and bridge team using a handheld device, or by a remote pilot from ashore.

The Towbot eliminates the 300 year old methodology of using towing lines, improves the response time by 98% and reduces tug operating costs by 50%.

Pro/con

Response time improved by 98% (Push to pull 2-3 secs) - Instantly applied thrust

Direct control of thrusters - No dependence on the tug captain and dynamic positioning

Battery driven - Zero emissions and no fuel spillage risks

24-hour operation unmanned - No high labour cost and no constraint by rest hours

Safety - No crew injury during handling of towing lines and no tug girding

Eliminate inefficiencies - Tugs idle 50%-60% of operating time

Reduces operating cost by 50% per tug annually

Flexibility - Full thrust available in heavy seas and full ship control inside narrow locks

Positioning of submarines when remaining below the surface

Voyage time limited to onboard battery capacity. For longer voyages, power take off from vessel itself

No drydocking required

Specification

Accuracy Ropes do not allow tugboats to accurately maintain the position of a vessel, whereas, Towbots connected to a vessel can be used for dynamic positioning.

Response time Change of applied thrust on the vessel from push to pull in 2-3 seconds.

Safe operating No injuries to ship’s crew due to the towropes. Rigid attachment to vessel improves control and enables safe manouvring.

Usability Control of the ship is maintained inside narrow locks with Towbot attached. Full thrust available even in heavy seas

Areas of Application Barge positioning, Ship maneuvering, Offshore dynamic positioning, Ports, Submarines, Dredging, Transhipment and locks

Power Marine battery, no emissions, no fuel spillage risks

Capabilities Model sizing (thrust power) planned according to vessel size and programmable

Certifications / licences As per project requirements

Implementation time Assembly line process for standardized models

Impact Fully electric propulsion eliminates engine inefficiencies of tugboats idling at low loads and reduces emissions. Direct control of the thrust by the pilot.