Safer towing for smaller vessels

Disc type towing hooks are regularly mentioned in the Tugs & Towing section of this magazine, as this simple but elegant technology allows a towline to be released under some tension, while minimising sudden snap-back forces which can damage mountings or vessels and endanger crews.

When a line is released under tension from such a hook, some of the kinetic energy of snap-back is absorbed by spinning the heavy disc from zero up to a quite high speed, almost instantly.

The new towing hook has been designed for users at the lighter end of the towing spectrum and it is available in three versions for use with loads from ten, five and two and a half tonnes.

Each model is certified as being capable of towing loads up to six times greater than its designated strength which makes it an important asset for any working vessel that is routinely engaged in towing operations.

According to Ole Rasmus Undrum, Sales Manager, Henriksen Hooks there are multiple vessel types that could benefit from such equipment: “The first sale has been made to a fish farm on the west coast of Norway where the movement of feed barges is a regular part of daily activity. A substantial purchase of the hooks has also been made by the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue which expects to make frequent use of them for rescuing small craft. Outside of small workboats and towing vessels there is also some interest from concerns such as pilot boat operators, who’s vessels, while not routinely engaged in towing, are quite likely to find themselves in first responder situations where towing could be required.”

The quick release mechanism can be activated from the deck or from the wheelhouse as per Norwegian regulations and it enables the crew to intervene if circumstances change unexpectedly and put the towing vessel at risk.

The hook can be used with wire or fibre ropes or steel rings, is manufactured in 316 stainless steel and has a swivel mechanism that enables it to take and release loads from a wide range of directions and angles.

It is certified under DNVGL- ST- 0378 regulations and, according to Henriksen Hooks requires virtually no maintenance. After every interval of five-years the manufacturer can test and recertify the hook to ensure that it has a long working life.

Henriksen Hooks is well known as a specialist in the manufacture of single point lifting hooks for which it enjoys an unblemished safety record.

Learn more about the Towing Hook along with H Henriksen’s other marine hardware at Seawork International 2017 on stand PY145.

By Jake Frith