Dutch government study examining the stability of beam trawlers
Conference/JournalMARIN Report 142
Date17 Dec 2024
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has contracted MARIN to study the dynamics of capsizing beam trawlers in more detail.
Previous studies carried out following the sinking of the UK 165 and UK 171 indicated that asymmetric conditions are particularly risky, such as losing fishing gear or getting stuck on one side. Conoship recommended additional stability requirements on that basis.
For the study on stability, a remote-controlled model of a generic cutter with an open aft deck and an overall length of 24 m was made. Earlier research demonstrated that this vessel type was more vulnerable than larger fishing vessels regarding stability issues. The superstructure, bulwarks, booms and weight distribution were modelled to scale.
Previous studies carried out following the sinking of the UK 165 and UK 171 indicated that asymmetric conditions are particularly risky, such as losing fishing gear or getting stuck on one side. Conoship recommended additional stability requirements on that basis.
For the study on stability, a remote-controlled model of a generic cutter with an open aft deck and an overall length of 24 m was made. Earlier research demonstrated that this vessel type was more vulnerable than larger fishing vessels regarding stability issues. The superstructure, bulwarks, booms and weight distribution were modelled to scale.
Contact
Rinnert van Basten Batenburg
Senior Project Manager
Asymmetric loading conditions
The stability criteria give requirements for the stability curve, also known as the GZ curve. Therefore, we accurately modelled and measured the stability curve up to the heel angle at which the vessel capsized. This was accomplished by modelling the buoyancy of the superstructure. To measure the righting moment for a large range of heel angles, we built a dedicated test setup using a fin servo, cardan shaft and torque sensor. The GZ curve was measured for each of the asymmetric conditions tested.
Model being prepared for tests