The latest in technological ideas and developments surrounding the towage industry are about to be discussed at the fourth biennial ‘Tugnology’ conference in Rotterdam.
Tugnology ’17 follows the previous five successful events at: Southampton 2007, Amsterdam 2009, Antwerp 2011 and London in 2013 and 2015, the last of which attracted 373 delegates. If the location is to have a connection with the maritime and towing world, then the choice of Rotterdam is eminently suitable. The conference will be taking place at Beurs World Trade Centre in the heart of the historic port city and is described as ‘a unique two day, no frills, in-depth conference concentrating on tugs and tugs alone.’
Much thought went into the selection of subject and papers with an emphasis on key issues currently affecting the industry including: fuel efficiency; tug safety; performance optimisation; use of alternative fuels, including LNG and hybrid battery systems; and crew comfort. The event also includes a table-top display area with around 60 companies exhibiting.
Fifteen subjects will be debated over the two-day conference, the inaugural paper presented by René J de Vries, Harbour Master, Port of Rotterdam Authority. A look at the conference programme for Tugnology ’17 indicates a diverse range of subject matters. Internationally harmonised stability regulations will start the conference with: future developments in azimuth thruster technologies and the challenges of tug safety (a forum involving four major industry figures) just two of the subjects covered on day one. Alternative-fuelled tugs are a subject appearing regularly in news stories and will be covered on day two with papers exploring developments in an area where pace of development is an important factor in this potentially revolutionary area of the shiphandling towage sector.
Garth Manson, managing director of The ABR Company Ltd organiser of the Tugnology conferences and publisher of International Tug & OSV, said: "The quality of the in-depth technical papers being presented at this year’s event in Rotterdam is particularly pleasing. They provide a detailed and invaluable insight into latest technological ideas and advances in our industry, covering design and construction, economics and operation."
"I am also delighted that we have been able to facilitate a forum session on the all-important issue of tug safety. It will be chaired by Robert Allan with Dirk Degroote, of Damen Shipyards, Carsten N Nygaard of Svitzer and Capt Arie Nygh of SeaWays Consultants, all experts in their field, as the panel".
"As a gathering of top level decision-making industry leaders and executive-level experts from around the world, Tugnology also offers an excellent opportunity for making business deals, networking, renewing old friendships and forging new professional relationships."
MJ will be attending Tugnology ’17 and a review of the conference will appear in a future edition.
By Peter Barker
