🔍 Key Concepts

• Catenary in a towing hawser (what it is and what affects its shape) • Relationship between speed, tension, and slack in a towing line • How towline length generally affects tug and tow maneuverability and shock loading

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to the shape of a heavy towing hawser when the tug speeds up versus slows down. • Consider whether a towing hawser that is perfectly taut is desirable in terms of absorbing shocks from waves and relative motion. • Ask yourself if it is normally safe practice for the towline to be arranged so that it touches the bottom, especially in varying depths and sea conditions.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify how increased speed affects the tension in the towline and whether that would increase or decrease the sag (catenary). • Check standard towing practice: do operators usually want some catenary for shock absorption, or a completely straight, tight line? • Consider bottom contact: is it generally safe for a towline to be in continuous contact with the seabed, or can that cause chafing, snagging, or loss of control?