Towing staples and hulls for vessels for towing

Abstract

A hull for a vessel for towing is disclosed, comprising a deck and a tow staple for guiding a tow line. The tow staple comprises a guide element having a symmetrical extension in a first plane juxtaposed to the deck, the guide element comprising a first attachment section and a second attachment section for attaching the guide element to the vessel hull. The first attachment section and the second attachment section are connected by means of a main section of the guide element. The guide element comprises a tow line guide surface located on a bottom side of the main section facing the deck, the tow line guide surface configured to slidably contact the tow line during a towing procedure such that the tow line is free to move along the periphery of the main section in the first plane while being restricted in movement by the main section in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The towing staple further includes a support element arranged on an upper side of the main section and extending from an upper side of the guide element to a second plane perpendicular to the first plane at an angle to the first plane and extending through the first attachment section and the second attachment section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of towing vessels.The present disclosure relates to a towing staple for a hull of a vessel for towing and a hull for a vessel for towing including a towing staple. [Background technology]

[0002] A towing vessel, such as a tugboat or tug, is a secondary boat used to maneuver other, typically larger, vessels by pushing or pulling them in, either by direct contact or by means of a towline. Tugs typically move vessels that are limited in their ability to maneuver relative to themselves, such as ships in congested harbors or narrow canals, or vessels that cannot move by themselves, such as barges, disabled ships, log rafts, or oil platforms.

[0003] Without assistance from a faster and more maneuverable towing vessel, larger vessels, such as megaships, may be unable to enter the port or may have difficulty entering the port.

[0004] Tugs may use their propulsion system and / or fluid properties of the vessel to generate forces to steer the vessel being towed. Tugs may operate in direct towing mode or indirect towing mode. During direct mode operation, the retraction of the tug's propulsion system generates a towline force on the towline. Thus, the tug is forced to move along the vessel's centerline. Parallel The towed vessel may be either left open or open to the corresponding side of the towed vessel to stop or reduce the initial motion of the towed vessel or to assist the towed vessel during steering.

[0005] During indirect towing, sometimes referred to as dynamic towing, a tugboat typically tracks the towed vessel and exerts forces on the towed vessel to rotate and / or slow it down. The tugboat's propulsion system may be used to position and maintain the tugboat's hull in an angled position relative to the towed vessel, thereby creating hydrodynamic forces with the vessel's hull acting against the direction of the towed vessel's movement. By positioning the tugboat's side, such as its starboard or port side, against the direction of the towed vessel's movement, the tugboat's hull presents a large surface that acts against the direction of water flow, thereby creating drag that can be transmitted to the towed vessel to rotate and / or slow it down. Slowing and / or steering are controlled by the tugboat by maintaining a reference angle corresponding to the direction of water flow, opposite the direction assumed by the towed vessel. The port side is the side of the vessel to the left of an observer facing the bow, i.e., facing forward in the direction the vessel is traveling when underway, and the starboard side is the side to the right of such an observer.

[0006] A tugboat's towing equipment is a vital link for transmitting the forces generated by the tugboat to the vessel being towed. Towing equipment can include various elements that can vary between different types of tugboats. In their simplest versions, these elements are just a tow bit and tow line or a tow hook and tow line. However, towing equipment can also include a tow winch, a rope trawler, a tow line, and / or a tow pin. Each element of the towing equipment needs to be strong enough, or designed in such a way, to be able to handle the high forces generated in the tow line. Due to the high forces, the tow line is typically heavy and strong. Failure of any of the elements in the towing equipment can lead to the tow line suddenly snapping or flowing across the deck of the tugboat, which can cause damage to the crew working on the deck of the tugboat.

[0007] A further important aspect is the location of the tow point, which in this specification will be interpreted as the point on the tugboat from which the towline goes directly to the vessel being towed. The towline may be connected to the tug by a tow hook, a tow winch, and / or may be secured to a tow bitt, all of which may be referred to as a tow point when they are points on the tugboat from which the towline goes directly to the vessel being towed. The location of the tow point may vary between different types of tugboats. A danger with towing using a towline is the risk of encircling and capsizing. Encircling can occur, for example, during an indirect tow when the tugboat's hull is positioned perpendicular to the towed vessel, when the towline comes at the tugboat at a right angle. When the towline is secured around the tug's amidships and at an angle to the right, the towline under tension exerts a heeling moment on the tug. Like any vessel listing over one side, such as starboard or port, due to an external force, a righting lever can be created as the tug's center of buoyancy moves toward the center of the tug's underwater volume, countering the heeling moment and pushing the tug back upright. However, if the force in the towline is strong enough, it can overcome the tug's righting lever, which can lead to deck-edge flooding, flooding, and capsizing—sometimes referred to as entrapment—unless the towline is released in good time. Entrapment can occur very quickly, resulting in an incident if the crew is unable to escape in time.

[0008] A known solution to the problem of containment is to build a tugboat enclosure around the building. arrangementOne solution is to use a carousel-type tugboat with a winch mounted on a ring bearing attached to the hull. The towing points are located around the ring bearing at a distance from the amidships. The winch, and therefore the towing point, can rotate 360 degrees around the containment building using movable rails. However, this solution has the disadvantage that it requires a drive system to operate the winch and many moving parts, making it expensive and prone to failure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, a need exists for a towing solution that mitigates, alleviates, or addresses the shortcomings that exist, and provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for towing that reduces the risk of breakdown and damage among crew members.

[0010] A hull for a vessel for towing is disclosed. The hull includes a deck and a tow staple for guiding a tow line. The tow staple is attached to the deck. Parallel The tow staple further includes a guide element having symmetrical extensions in a first plane. The guide element includes a first attachment section and a second attachment section for attaching the guide element to the hull in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The first and second attachment sections are connected by means of a main section of the guide element, and the guide element includes a towline guide surface located on the bottom side of the main section facing the deck. The towline guide surface is configured to slidably contact the towline during the towing procedure so that the towline is free to move along the periphery of the main section in the first plane while being restricted in movement by the main section in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The tow staple further includes a support element. The support element is located on the top side of the main section. arrangement and a second plane perpendicular to the first plane from the upper side of the guide element at an angle to the first plane. extension and through the first attachment section and the second attachment section. extension do.

[0011] Also provided is a tow staple for towing. The tow staple is configured to guide a tow line. The tow staple includes a guide element having symmetrical extensions in a first plane. The guide element includes a first attachment section and a second attachment section for attaching the guide element to a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the first attachment section and the second attachment section being connected by means of a main section of the guide element. The guide element includes a tow line guide surface located on a bottom side of the main section. The tow line guide surface is configured to slidably contact the tow line during the towing procedure so that the tow line is free to move along the periphery of the main section in the first plane while being restricted in movement by the main section in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The tow staple further includes a support element, the support element being located on an upper side of the main section. arrangement and the upper side of the guide element is inclined to the second plane at an angle to the first plane. extension do.

[0012] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the tow staple, when it contacts the tow line, serves as a tow point, lowering the position of the tow point relative to the deck of the tow vessel and moving it closer to the side of the tow vessel's hull. Lowering the tow point reduces the heeling moment caused by the tow line force and acting on the tow vessel's hull. Furthermore, moving the tow point closer to the side of the tow vessel reduces the tilt lever arm and increases the righting lever arm. Thus, the tow staple of the present disclosure improves the stability of the tow vessel, improving the tow vessel's maneuverability and direct and indirect towing performance. Adding a support element to the tow staple further increases the tow staple's rigidity and reduces the risk of the tow staple failing due to an inability to guide the tow line, resulting in injury to crew members.

[0013] Furthermore, the solution according to the present disclosure does not include any moving parts, which reduces the cost of the solution and improves the reliability of the solution.

[0014] Thus, the towing staple according to the present disclosure improves the maneuverability, direct and indirect towing performance, and stability of the vessel for towing, while reducing costs and improving reliability compared to existing towing solutions.

[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a side view of a first exemplary vessel for towing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a top view of a first exemplary vessel for towing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a side view of two exemplary vessels for towing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a top view of two exemplary vessels for towing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary towing staple according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary towing staple according to the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary towing staple including a lubrication system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the figures where relevant. It should be noted that the drawings may or may not be drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are represented by similar reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or advantage described in connection with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be implemented in any other embodiment, even if not so shown or explicitly described.

[0018] The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and other details are omitted, but only to show details that are helpful in understanding the disclosure. The same reference numerals are used throughout for identical or corresponding parts.

[0019] 1A and 1B illustrate a vessel 1 for towing, such as a tugboat, according to one or more embodiments herein, seen in a side view in FIG. 1A and a top view of the vessel 1 in FIG. 1B. The vessel 1 includes a deck 13, such as the main deck of a vessel, and a towing staple 14 for guiding a tow line 10. The deck 13 is smoke above the waterline arrangement The tow line 10 may be attached to the hull 1. arrangement may be a tow line attached to the towed vessel or may be attached to the towed vessel. arrangement The tow line 10 may be attached to the hull 1. arrangement When the tow line is towed, it may be connected to a winch 12 attached to the hull 1, and it may be wound onto or unwound from the winch 12, thereby allowing the tow line to extension The winch 12 is mounted in the center of the hull 1 from bow to stern. extensionThe ship is centered on the longitudinal axis of the hull, and is laterally centered amidships. arrangement The towing staple 14 may be attached to the deck 13. Parallel symmetrical, or at least necessarily symmetrical, in the first plane extension The guide element 20 includes a guide element having a first mounting section 21A and a second mounting section 21B for mounting the guide element 20 to the hull 1 in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The first mounting section 21A and the second mounting section 21B are connected by means of a main section 22 of the guide element 20.

[0020] The guide element 20 includes a towline guide surface 23 located on the bottom side of the main section 22, the bottom side facing the deck 13. The towline guide surface 23 is configured to slidably contact the towline 10 during the towing procedure such that the towline is free to move along the periphery of the main section 22 in the first plane while being restrained in movement by the main section 22 in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.

[0021] The towing staple further includes a support element 16. The support element 16 is located on the upper side of the main section 22, such as on the side of the main section facing away from the guide surface 23. arrangement and the upper side of the guide element 20 is inclined to the second plane at an angle to the first plane. extension The support element 16 is thus able to utilize and direct forces from the towline 10 to the towing vessel hull 1, reducing bending moments in the tow staple. The support element 16 thus adds stiffness to the tow staple 14, allowing the tow staple to utilize higher towing forces without deforming and / or breaking.

[0022] The attachment sections 21A, 21B may be removably attached to the hull 1 by fastening means such as nuts and bolts, or may be fixedly attached to the hull 1, for example by being welded to the hull 1. When the towing staple 14 is welded to the hull 1, it can be an integral part of the hull 1, which has the advantage that the stiffness of the towing staple is increased and the risk of failure of the towing staple 14 during towing is reduced. The towing staple 14 comprises one or more vertical fastening members for attaching the first attachment section 21A and the second attachment section 21B to the hull 1. arrangement It may contain a beam or one or more vertically arrangement One or more beams may be attached to a vertical beam extending through the hull 1. extension It may be an integral part of the hull 1.

[0023] The hull 1 may include a rope guide 15 for guiding the tow line 10. The rope guide 15 may be positioned at the center of the hull 1, such as transversely amidships, along the longitudinal center plane of the hull 1. arrangement The towline 10 may be fed from a winch through a ropeway 15 so that the towline exits the ropeway 15 in the area of the longitudinal center plane of the hull 1. The longitudinal center plane is defined herein as the plane extending longitudinally through the center of the hull 1, such as from the rear to the stern of the hull 1. extension The longitudinal center plane is therefore the plane of symmetry of the hull 1 in the longitudinal direction. The towing staple 14 is arranged such that the ropeway 15 is aligned along the longitudinal center plane of the towing staple 14. arrangement On the hull 1 arrangement Preferably, the tow staple 14 is centrally mounted on the hull 1 so that the longitudinal center plane of the hull 1 and the longitudinal center plane of the tow staple 14 correspond. This ensures that the towing characteristics of the vessel for towing are equal on the port and starboard sides of the hull 1. The towline 10 is then fed at an upward angle between the tow staple 14 of the hull 1 and the deck 13, and typically relative to the much larger vessel being towed, so that the towline 10 contacts the towline guide surface 23.

[0024] The guide element 20 of the tow staple 14 may be shaped so that the distance from the rope conductor to the tow line guide surface 23 of the guide element 20 varies around the circumference of the guide element 20. This allows for a greater distance from the rope conductor 15 to the guide element 20. extension However, the towline 10 in sliding contact with the towline guide surface 23 does not rub against the same area of the towline 10 against the tow staple 14 during the towing procedure. This reduces the risk of towline failure, as friction against the towline does not always act in the same area.

[0025] The guide element 20 of the towing staple 14 may have an arch-shaped profile when viewed in a first plane. The arch shape may be, for example, a U-shape, a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, a parabola, a horseshoe, etc. The exemplary guide element 20 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B has a U-shape when viewed in a first plane, such that the main section 22 is divided into two parallel The two U-shaped guide elements 20 include a section 22A and a curved section 22B. parallel The end sections of section 22A may constitute mounting sections 21A, 21B for mounting guide element 20 to the hull 1, such as to a vertical wall of the hull 1, to a cross-wall of the hull 1, etc.

[0026] The towing staple 14 may span a sight angle α of at least 140 degrees as seen from the ropeway 15 in the direction of the longitudinal centerline of the hull 1. In some embodiments, the towing staple 14 may span a sight angle α of at least 170 degrees, preferably at least 180 degrees. This allows the hull 1 of the vessel for towing to be positioned at an angle of 70 to 90 degrees relative to the towed vessel in both the port and starboard directions, thereby increasing the drag generated by the hull 1 when using the hydrodynamic forces of the vessel as a sea anchor, such as during an indirect tow. This improves the maneuverability of the vessel for towing, as well as direct and indirect towing performance.

[0027] The width of the guide element 20, such as the distance between the first attachment section 21A and the second attachment section 21B, may be configured or adapted to move the towing point away from the longitudinal centerline of the hull 1 and towards the outside, such as towards the port or starboard side of the hull 1. The towing staple 14 may be positioned within the inner periphery of the hull 1. arrangement The guide element 20 may be configured with a guide rail 14 so that crew working on the tow line and / or deck 13 can pass unimpeded between the tow line 14 and the side of the towing vessel's handrail or other obstacle. The actual width W of the guide element 20 thus depends on the dimensions of the hull 1. The width W may be in the range of 20-95% of the width of the hull 1 at the corresponding longitudinal position. In some embodiments, the width W is at least 2 meters, such as at least 10 meters, and preferably 6 meters. Increasing the width of the guide element 20, corresponding to increasing the distance from the ropeway to the guide element in either the port or starboard direction, increases the lever arm on which the upward force from the tow line 10 connected to the towed vessel acts. This increases the righting moment that counteracts the encircling moment acting on the towing vessel, thereby reducing the risk of vessel capsizing.

[0028] The guide elements 20 of the towing staple 14 are closer to the deck 13 than the ropeway 15. arrangement The guide element 20 may be located closer to the deck 13 than the cable car 15. arrangement By doing so, the towing point is lowered compared to when a ropeway constitutes the towing point, which is the case when no towing wing staples are used. The distance h from the tow line contact surface 23 of the guide element 20 of the towing staple 14 to the deck 13, e.g., in the vertical direction, may be in the range of 10 centimeters to 200 centimeters. By reducing the distance h, the towing point is lowered, which reduces the lever arm on which the towing line force acts, causing a heeling moment. Thus, by reducing the distance h, the heeling moment acting on the hull 1 during towing is reduced, increasing the stability of the vessel for towing and reducing the risk of entrapment and capsizing.

[0029] The support element 16 is connected to a connecting point 17 located further away from the deck 13 than the cable car 15 from the upper side of the guide element 20 facing away from the deck 13 in the vertical direction of the hull 1. extension The support element 16 adds rigidity to the towing staple 14, reducing movement of the guide element in the upward direction due to towing forces that may cause material fatigue and ultimate failure of the guide element 20. The support element 16 may be sized to withstand the maximum towing force that may be exerted on the towline 10 by the towing vessel.

[0030] 2A and 2B illustrate a hull 1 for a vessel for towing according to one or more embodiments herein, seen in a port side view in FIG. 2A and a top view of the hull 1 in FIG. 2B. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the exemplary support element 16 is attached to a connection point 17 from the top side of a guide element 20 on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. extension The support element 16 may comprise a sheet material, such as one or more sheet elements, such that the support element 16 creates an enclosure over the guide element 20. The hull 1 may further comprise an accommodation building 19 for accommodating personnel on board the vessel, such as the crew. The second plane may be located on the aft or forward exterior wall 19A of the accommodation building 19. The tow line 10 may be routed through the accommodation building 19 and may be positioned within the aft or forward exterior wall 19A. arrangement The support element 16 may be attached to the upper side of the guide element 20 and may extend around the periphery of the guide element 20. arrangement The support element 16 may be attached to a second plane, such as to a front or rear exterior wall 19A. It is parallel , may have a second edge 16B attached to the hull 1 in a second plane. The support element 16 thus creates an enclosure, such as a roof, covering the guide element 20. The enclosure may extend from the guide element 20 towards the second plane and / or at an angle towards the second plane. extensionThe guide element 14 may have a dome or cone-shaped profile. By enclosing the upper side of the guide element, a cone-shaped or dome-shaped box configuration is created that increases the rigidity of the tow staple 14. The enclosure also allows a line, such as a tow line or messenger line, thrown from the vessel to be towed onto the towing vessel to enter the tow staple from the top, reducing the risk of the tow line not contacting the tow line contact surface 23 and / or becoming entangled and caught on a protruding object located on the deck 13 of the towing vessel. Sheet material, such as one or more sheet elements, provides a flat surface at the top of the tow staple 14. The flat surface allows the line to slide over the tow staple and slide onto the deck of the towing vessel, from where it can be manually or automatically connected to the tow line 10 and pulled out onto the vessel to be towed from directly below the tow staple. The slope and flat outer surface of the support element 16 prevents the line thrown from the towed vessel from getting caught in obstacles on the deck of the towing vessel. The enclosure can also serve as cover or shelter for crew working on the deck of the towing vessel, which reduces the risk of crew being struck and injured by the thrown line.

[0031] 3A and 3B show a towing staple 14 for a vessel for towing from a top view in FIG. 3A and a side view in FIG. 3B. The towing staple is configured to guide a tow line, such as during a towing procedure. The towing staple 14 includes a guide element 20 and a support element 16. The guide element 20 has a symmetrical extension in a first plane, which is a substantially horizontal plane when the towing staple is attached to the hull of the vessel. The guide element 20 includes a first attachment section 21A and a second attachment section 21B for attaching the guide element 20 to a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The second plane may be, for example, a vertical wall of the hull of the vessel. The first attachment section 21A and the second attachment section 21B are connected by means of a main section 22 of the guide element 20. The guide element 20 includes a towline guide surface 23 located on the bottom side of the main section 22, the towline guide surface 23 configured to slidably contact the towline during the towing procedure. Thus, the towline is free to move around the periphery of the main section 22 in the first plane while being restricted in movement by the main section 22 in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The towline guide surface 23 allows unobstructed movement along the entire periphery of the guide element. extension can be done without being disturbed. extension This refers to the movement of the guide element 20 from the first attachment section 21A to the second attachment section 21B along the main section 22 of the guide element 20. extension However, the towline guide surface 23, which includes openings for the lubrication system, for example, must be unobstructed. extension This is consistent with the towline guide surface 23. To reduce friction against the towline, the towline guide surface 23 may be coated with a friction reducing coating.

[0032] The support element 16 is mounted on the upper side of the main section 22 of the guide element 20. arrangement and the upper side of the guide element 20 is inclined to the second plane at an angle to the first plane. extension The support element 16 may have a proximal end 16A and an upper end 16B, the proximal end 16A being supported on the guide element 20. arrangementThe upper end 16B is configured to be attached to a mounting area located in a second plane. The second plane may be perpendicular to the first plane. The second plane may be, for example, through the first mounting section 21A and the second mounting section 21B of the guide element 20. extension The support element 16 is configured to react to the force induced by the towline 10 on the towline contact surface 23 of the guide element 20. Thus, the force applied to the guide element 20 may be distributed from the point of contact of the towline 10 through the support element 16 to an attachment structure, such as the hull of a vessel for towing, to which the tow staple can be attached.

[0033] The guide elements 20 may have arched profiles when viewed from a first plane. Arched profiles are herein defined as profiles in distance relative to one another and relative to one another. Arranged parallel The arch-shaped profile is to be interpreted as having a first section and a second section connected by one or more curved sections. The arch-shaped profile provides a symmetrical profile for the tow staple, thereby providing corresponding contact points for the tow line on both sides of the centerline of the arch-shaped profile. The hull thereby has the same stability and towing performance during the towing procedure, regardless of which side of the tugboat the towed vessel is located. Furthermore, by adjusting the characteristics of the arch-shaped profile, such as the dimensions and / or profile, wear on the tow line can be reduced. The arch shape may be, for example, a U-shape, a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, a parabola, a horseshoe, etc. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the guide element 20 has a U-shape when viewed in a first plane, such that the main section 22 is formed by two parallel The two U-shaped guide elements 20 include a section 22A and a curved section 22B. parallelThe end sections of section 22A constitute attachment sections 21A, 21B. The geometry and dimensions of guide element 20 may be configured so that the distance from the intersection of the first and second planes (which may be the location of the tow point when tow staple 14 is attached to the hull 1) to a location on guide surface 23 varies around the circumference of guide element 20. By varying the distance from the intersection to the towline guide surface around the circumference of guide element 20, as the towline moves around the circumference of guide element 20, for example from port to starboard of guide element 20, the contact point of towline 10 on guide element 20 does not always rub against the same spot on the towline, thereby reducing the risk of towline failure.

[0034] In the exemplary towing staple 14 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the support element 16 extends from the top side of the guide element 20 to and / or toward the second plane. extension The support element 16 includes a sheet material that extends in a direction perpendicular to the guide element 20, such that the support element 16 creates an enclosure, such as a roof, that covers the guide element 20. The enclosure extends in a direction perpendicular to the guide element 20, such that the support element 16 ... extension In other words, the support element may have the shape of a dome or a cone, which is tilted in a first plane and / or in a second plane. arrangementThe upper side of the guide element 20 may be enclosed, creating a box shape that increases the rigidity of the tow staple 14. The enclosure prevents a line, such as a tow line or messenger line, thrown from the vessel to be towed onto the towing vessel from entering the tow staple from the top, thereby preventing it from contacting the tow line contact surface 23 and / or reducing the risk of it becoming entangled and caught on a protruding object located on the deck of the towing vessel. The sheet material provides a flat surface at the top of the tow staple 14 that allows the line to slide over the tow staple and onto the deck of the towing vessel, from where it can be manually or automatically connected to the tow line 10 and pulled out onto the vessel to be towed from directly below the tow staple. The towing staple 14 enclosure prevents the line thrown from the towed vessel from getting caught in obstacles on the deck of the towing vessel. The enclosure can also serve as cover or shelter for crew working on the deck of the towing vessel, which reduces the risk of crew being struck and injured by the line thrown from the towed vessel.

[0035] The sheet material of the support element 16 is laid along the upper side of the guide element 20 and around the guide element 20. arrangement and a first edge 16A following the periphery, and a second plane ParallelThe towing staple 14 may have a second edge 16B. The second edge 16B may serve as an attachment area for attaching the towing staple 14 to the hull of the vessel. The towing staple 14 may be welded to the hull along the second edge 16B, for example, resulting in a rigid connection between the hull and the second edge 16B of the support element. Increasing the attachment surface between the hull 1 and the support element 16 may improve the rigidity of the towing staple. By surrounding the guide element 20, the rigidity of the guide element 20 and the force distribution from the guide element 20 may be further increased, as the support element 16 is adjacent to most of the periphery of the guide element 20 and is not adjacent only over one small area of the guide element 20. In some embodiments, the support element 16 may be shaped as a truncated cone, such that the support element 16 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and at a distance from the guide element 20. Arranged parallel The inclined section of the support element 16 includes a horizontal section 16C that is inclined from the guide element 20 to the horizontal section 16C of the support element 16. extension The horizontal section 16C may follow the shape of the guide element 20 but may be smaller in size.

[0036] The guide elements 20 and the support elements 16 may be made of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, or any material suitable for marine use.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a tow staple as viewed from the towline-facing surface, according to some embodiments herein. To further reduce friction of the towline 10, the guide element 20 may include a lubrication system for lubricating the towline during the towing procedure. The lubrication system may include a plurality of openings 18 in the towline guide surface 23 of the guide element 20 and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the towline 10 through the plurality of openings 18 to reduce friction between the towline and the towline guide surface. The lubricant may be water, such as seawater. The lubricant supply system may further include a pump for supplying lubricant to the towline. The solution with multiple openings has the advantage that it is cost-effective and reliable, since it does not include any moving parts.

[0038] In some embodiments, a lubricant including an adhesive with friction-reducing properties may be used. The lubricant may be supplied from a tank located on the towing vessel. In some embodiments, the lubrication system may include one or more nozzles (not shown in FIG. 4) for injecting the lubricant, the nozzles being disposed within the towline guide surface 23 of the guide element 20. arrangement The lubrication system may be provided with nozzles, which may be directed to spray lubricant onto the towline 10. Providing nozzles in the lubrication system has the advantage that the amount of lubricant supplied to the towline can be controlled and directed only to the area of the guide element 20 where the towline is in contact with the guide element, which may reduce waste of lubricant. To further reduce waste of lubricant and prevent lubricant from ending up at sea, the lubricating system may be provided with a lubricant collection and recirculation system, which may be located beneath the towline guide surface 23, such as within the hull 1 of the vessel for towing, to collect excess lubricant. arrangement An additional pump may be connected to the collector and may supply collected lubricant back to the tank.

[0039] It should be noted that the features mentioned in the embodiments described in Figures 1-4 are not limited to those particular embodiments. Any features related to the towing staple 14 and components provided on and mentioned in relation to the hull 1 shown in Figures 1A-2B, such as the dimensions of the towing staple 14, are also applicable to the towing staple 14 described with reference to Figures 3-4.

[0040] Furthermore, as referred to herein, a vertical axis refers to an imaginary line running vertically through the vessel and through its center of gravity, a transverse or horizontal axis is an imaginary line running horizontally across the vessel and through its center of gravity, and a longitudinal axis refers to an imaginary line running horizontally through the length of the vessel and through its center of gravity. smoke On the waterline Parallel Similarly, as referred to herein, a vertical plane relates to an imaginary plane running vertically through the width of the vessel, a transverse or horizontal plane is an imaginary plane running horizontally across the vessel, and a longitudinal plane is an imaginary plane running vertically through the length of the vessel.

[0041] Embodiments of the deliverables (vessel hull for towing and towing staple) according to the disclosure are shown in the following sections.

[0042] Item 1: A hull (1) for a vessel for towing, -Deck (13) and - a towing staple (14) for guiding the tow line (10), The towing staple (14) is - on said deck (13) ParallelA guide element (20) having a symmetrical extension in a first plane, said guide element (20) comprising first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) for attaching said guide element (20) to said hull (1), said first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) being connected by means of a main section (22) of said guide element (20), said guide element (20) being attached to said deck (13). the guide element (20) including a towline guide surface (23) located on a bottom side of the opposing main section (22), the towline guide surface (23) configured to slidably contact the towline (10) during a towing procedure such that the towline is free to move along the periphery of the main section (22) in the first plane while being restricted in movement by the main section (22) in a direction perpendicular to the first plane; a support element (16) located on the upper side of the main compartment (22); arrangement and a second plane perpendicular to the first plane from the upper side of the guide element (20) at an angle to the first plane. extension and through the first mounting section and the second mounting section (21A, 21B) extension the support element (16); The hull (1).

[0043] Item 2: The hull (1) according to item 1, wherein the guide element (20) of the towing staple (14) has an arch-shaped profile when viewed from the first plane.

[0044] Item 3: The guide element (20) has two main sections (22). parallel The U-shaped guide element (20) has a U-shape when viewed from the first plane, including a section (22A) and a curved section (22B), and the two sections of the U-shaped guide element (20) parallel 3. The hull (1) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the end sections of the compartment (22A) constitute the attachment sections (21A, 21B).

[0045] Item 4: The hull (1) includes a rope guide (15) for guiding the tow rope (10), and the rope guide (15) is arranged in a longitudinal center plane of the tow staple (14). arrangement The hull (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3.

[0046] Item 5: The hull (1) according to item 4, wherein the guide element is shaped so that the distance from the ropeway to the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) varies over the circumference of the guide element (20).

[0047] Item 6: The hull (1) according to item 4 or 5, wherein the towing staple (14) spans a sight angle (α) of at least 140 degrees as seen from the ropeway (15) in the direction of the longitudinal centerline of the hull (1).

[0048] Item 7: The support element (16) is connected to a connecting point (17) located further away from the deck (13) than the ropeway (15) from the upper side of the towing staple (14) facing away from the deck (13) in the vertical direction of the hull (1). extension The hull (1) according to any one of items 4 to 6.

[0049] Item 8: The towing staple (14) is located inside the inner periphery of the hull (1). arrangement The hull (1) according to any one of items 1 to 7.

[0050] Item 9: The hull (1) according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the width (W) of the guide element (20) between the first attachment section (21A) and the second attachment section (21B) is adapted to move a towing point away from the longitudinal centerline of the hull (1) and towards the outside of the hull (1).

[0051] Item 10: The hull (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the distance from the towing staple (14) to the deck (13) is in the range of 10 centimeters to 200 centimeters.

[0052] Item 11: The support element (16) extends from the upper side of the guide element (20) to the second plane so that the support element (16) creates an enclosure that covers the guide element (20). extension 10. The hull (1) of any one of the preceding items, including a sheet material for

[0053] Item 12: The support element (16) is arranged along the upper side of the guide element (20) and on the periphery of the guide element (20). arrangement a first edge (16A) following the periphery, and a second edge (16B) following the second plane; It is parallel 12. The hull (1) according to item 11, having a second edge (16B) attached to the hull in the second plane.

[0054] Item 13: The hull (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the guide element (20) includes a lubrication system for lubricating the tow line during the towing procedure.

[0055] Item 14: The hull (1) according to Item 13, wherein the lubrication system includes a plurality of openings (18) in the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the towline (10) through the plurality of openings (18).

[0056] Item 15: The hull (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the hull (1) further comprises a storage building (19), and the second plane is located on the rear or forward exterior wall (19A) of the storage building (19).

[0057] Item 16: A hull (1) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the towing staple (14) is an integral part of the hull (1).

[0058] Item 17: A towing staple (14) for towing, the towing staple being configured to guide a tow rope, the towing staple (14) comprising: a guide element (20) having a symmetrical extension in a first plane, the guide element (20) comprising first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) for attaching the guide element (20) to the hull of the vessel for towing, the first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) being connected by means of a main section (22) of the guide element (20), the guide element (20) comprising a towline guide surface (23) located on the bottom side of the main section (22), the towline guide surface (23) configured to slidably contact the towline (10) during a towing procedure such that the towline is free to move along the periphery of the main section (22) in the first plane while being restricted in movement by the main section (22) in a direction perpendicular to the first plane; a support element (16) located on the upper side of the main compartment (22); arrangement and a second plane perpendicular to the first plane from the upper side of the guide element (20) at an angle to the first plane. extension and through the first mounting section and the second mounting section (21A, 21B) extension the support element (16); The towing staple.

[0059] Item 18: The towing staple according to Item 17, wherein the guide element (20) of the towing staple (14) has an arch-shaped profile when viewed from the first plane.

[0060] Item 19: The guide element (20) is such that the main section (22) has two parallel The U-shaped guide element (20) has a U-shape when viewed from the first plane, including a section (22A) and a curved section (22B), and the two sections of the U-shaped guide element (20) parallel 19. The towing staple (14) according to item 17 or 18, wherein the end section of the section (22A) constitutes the attachment section (21A, 21B).

[0061] Item 20: The support element (16) has a base end (16A) and an upper end (16B), and the base end (16A) is mounted on the guide element (20). arrangement and the upper end (16B) is configured to be attached to an attachment area located on the second plane.

[0062] Item 21: The support element (16) extends from the upper side of the guide element (20) to the second plane so that the support element (16) creates an enclosure that covers the guide element (20). extension 21. The towing staple (14) according to any one of items 17 to 20, comprising a sheet material.

[0063] Item 22: The support element (16) is attached to the periphery of the guide element (20) along the upper side of the guide element (20). arrangement a first edge (16A) following the periphery, and a second edge (16B) following the second plane; Parallel 22. The towing staple (14) according to item 21, having a second edge (16B).

[0064] Item 23: A towing staple (14) according to any one of Items 17 to 22, wherein the guide element (20) includes a lubrication system for lubricating the tow line during the towing procedure.

[0065] Item 24: The towing staple (14) described in Item 23, wherein the lubrication system includes a plurality of openings (18) in the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the towline (10) through the plurality of openings (18).

[0066] The use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., does not imply a particular order but is included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., does not convey order or importance; rather, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another. The words "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," "tertiary," etc., are used here and elsewhere for labeling purposes only and are not intended to denote any particular spatial or temporal order. Furthermore, the labeling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, or vice versa.

[0067] It will be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0068] It will be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0069] While features have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. The present disclosure also includes the following aspects. [Aspect 1] A hull (1) for a vessel for towing, -Deck (13) and - a towing staple (14) for guiding the tow line (10), The towing staple (14) is a guide element (20) having a symmetrical extension in a first plane parallel to the deck (13), the guide element (20) comprising first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) for attaching the guide element (20) to the hull (1), the first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) being connected by means of a main section (22) of the guide element (20), the guide element (20) being attached to the deck (13); the guide element (20) including a towline guide surface (23) located on a bottom side of the main section (22) facing the first section (13), the towline guide surface (23) configured to slidably contact the towline (10) during a towing procedure such that the towline is restricted from upward movement by the main section (22) in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, while being free to move along the periphery of the main section (22) within the first plane; a support element (16) arranged above the main section (22) and arranged obliquely with respect to the first plane from the upper side of the guide element (20) to a second plane perpendicular to the first plane and extending adjacent to the ends of the first and second mounting sections (21A, 21B); The hull (1). [Aspect 2] 2. The hull (1) of claim 1, wherein the guide element (20) of the towing staple (14) has an arch-shaped profile when viewed from the first plane. Aspect 3 3. The hull (1) according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the guide element (20) has a U-shape when viewed from the first plane such that the main section (22) comprises two parallel sections (22A) and a curved section (22B), and end sections of the two parallel sections (22A) of the U-shaped guide element (20) constitute the mounting sections (21A, 21B). Aspect 4 The hull (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the hull (1) includes a rope guide (15) for guiding the tow rope (10), the rope guide (15) being arranged in a longitudinal center plane of the towing staple (14). Aspect 5 5. The hull (1) of claim 4, wherein the guide element (20) is shaped such that the distance from the ropeway to the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) varies over the circumference of the guide element (20). Aspect 6 6. The hull (1) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the towing staple (14) spans a sight angle (α) of at least 140 degrees as seen from the ropeway (15) in the direction of the longitudinal centerline of the hull (1). Aspect 7 A hull (1) according to any one of aspects 4 to 6, wherein the support element (16) extends from an upper side of the towing staple (14) facing away from the deck (13) in the vertical direction of the hull (1) to a connection point (17) located further away from the deck than the ropeway (15). Aspect 8 The hull (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the towing staple (14) is disposed within the inner periphery of the hull (1). Aspect 9 9. The hull (1) of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein a width (W) of the guide element (20) between the first attachment section (21A) and the second attachment section (21B) is adapted to move a towing point away from a longitudinal centerline of the hull (1) and towards the outside of the hull (1). Aspect 10 The hull (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the distance from the towing staple (14) to the deck (13) is in the range of 10 centimeters to 200 centimeters. Aspect 11 The hull (1) of any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the support element (16) comprises a sheet material extending from an upper side of the guide element (20) to the second plane such that the support element (16) creates an enclosure over the guide element (20). Aspect 12 A hull (1) as described in aspect 11, wherein the support element (16) is arranged on the periphery of the guide element (20) along the upper side of the guide element (20), has a first edge (16A) arranged along the periphery, and a second edge (16B) that is parallel to the second plane and is attached to the hull in the second plane. Aspect 13 13. The hull (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the guide element (20) comprises a lubrication system for lubricating the tow line during a towing procedure. Aspect 14 A hull (1) as described in aspect 13, wherein the lubrication system includes a plurality of openings (18) in the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the towline (10) through the plurality of openings (18). Aspect 15 The hull (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the hull (1) further comprises a storage building (19), and the second plane is located on the rear or forward exterior wall (19A) of the storage building (19). Aspect 16 Aspects 16. The hull (1) of any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the towing staple (14) is an integral part of the hull (1). Aspect 17 A towing staple (14) for towing, said towing staple being configured to guide a tow line, said towing staple (14) comprising: a guide element (20) having a symmetrical extension in a first plane, the guide element (20) comprising first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) for attaching the guide element (20) to the hull of the vessel for towing, the first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) being connected by means of a main section (22) of the guide element (20), the guide element (20) comprising a towline guide surface (23) located on the bottom side of the main section (22), the towline guide surface (23) configured to slidably contact the towline (10) during a towing procedure such that the towline is restricted from moving upward by the main section (22) in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, while being free to move along the periphery of the main section (22) in the first plane; a support element (16) arranged above the main section (22) and arranged obliquely with respect to the first plane from the upper side of the guide element (20) to a second plane perpendicular to the first plane and extending adjacent to the ends of the first and second mounting sections (21A, 21B); The towing staple. Aspect 18 18. The towing staple according to claim 17, wherein the guide element (20) of the towing staple (14) has an arch-shaped profile when viewed from the first plane. Aspect 19 A towing staple (14) according to aspect 17 or 18, wherein the guide element (20) has a U-shape when viewed from the first plane such that the main section (22) includes two parallel sections (22A) and a curved section (22B), and end sections of the two parallel sections (22A) of the U-shaped guide element (20) constitute the attachment sections (21A, 21B). Aspect 20 A towing staple (14) according to any one of aspects 17 to 19, wherein the support element (16) has a base end (16A) and an upper end (16B), the base end (16A) being positioned on the guide element (20), and the upper end (16B) being configured to be attached to an attachment area located in the second plane. Aspect 21 A towing staple (14) according to any one of aspects 17 to 20, wherein the support element (16) comprises a sheet material extending from an upper side of the guide element (20) to the second plane so that the support element (16) creates an enclosure covering the guide element (20). Aspect 22 A towing staple (14) as described in aspect 21, wherein the support element (16) is arranged on the periphery of the guide element (20) along the upper side of the guide element (20) and has a first edge (16A) arranged along the periphery and a second edge (16B) parallel to the second plane. Aspect 23 23. The towing staple according to any one of aspects 17 to 22, wherein the guide element (20) includes a lubrication system for lubricating the tow line during the towing procedure. Aspect 24 A towing staple (14) as described in aspect 23, wherein the lubrication system includes a plurality of openings (18) in the tow line guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the tow line (10) through the plurality of openings (18).

Claims

1. A hull (1) for a vessel for towing, comprising: - Deck (13) and - a containment building (19) including a rear or front exterior wall (19A); - a towing staple (14) for guiding the towing line (10), The towing staple (14) is a guide element (20) having a symmetrical extension in a first plane parallel to the deck (13), said guide element (20) comprising a first attachment section and a second attachment section (21A, 21B) for attaching said guide element (20) to the hull (1), said first attachment section and said second attachment section (21A, 21B) being connected by means of a main section (22) of said guide element (20), said guide element (20) being attached to said deck (13); the guide element (20) including a towline guide surface (23) located on a bottom side of the main section (22) facing the first section (13), the towline guide surface (23) configured to slidably contact the towline (10) during a towing procedure such that the towline is restricted from upward movement by the main section (22) in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, while being free to move along the periphery of the main section (22) within the first plane; - a support element (16) arranged above the main compartment (22) and arranged obliquely with respect to the first plane from above the guide element (20) to a second plane located on the rear or front exterior wall (19A) of the accommodation building (19), the second plane being perpendicular to the first plane and extending adjacent to the ends of the first and second mounting compartments (21A, 21B); Including, The support element (16) comprises a first edge (16A) arranged on the periphery of the guide element (20) along the upper side of the guide element (20) and following the periphery of the guide element (20), the support element (16) is attached to the hull (1) at a second plane located on the rear or front exterior wall (19A) of the accommodation building (19) and comprises a second edge (16B) parallel to the second plane, the support element (16) creating an enclosure covering the guide element (20).

2. 2. A hull (1) according to claim 1, wherein the guide element (20) of the towing staple (14) has an arch-shaped profile when viewed from the first plane.

3. 3. The hull (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide element (20) has a U-shape when viewed from the first plane such that the main section (22) comprises two parallel sections (22A) and a curved section (22B), and end sections of the two parallel sections (22A) of the U-shaped guide element (20) constitute the mounting sections (21A, 21B).

4. 4. The hull (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hull (1) comprises a rope guide (15) for guiding the tow line (10), the rope guide (15) being arranged in the longitudinal center plane of the towing staple (14).

5. 5. A hull (1) according to claim 4, wherein the guide element (20) is shaped so that the distance from the ropeway to the tow line guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) varies over the circumference of the guide element (20).

6. 6. The hull (1) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the towing staple (14) spans a sight angle (α) of at least 140 degrees as seen from the ropeway (15) in the direction of the longitudinal centerline of the hull (1).

7. 7. The hull (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the support elements (16) extend from the upper side of the towing staples (14) facing away from the deck (13) in the vertical direction of the hull (1) to connection points (17) located further away from the deck than the ropeway (15).

8. A hull (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towing staples (14) are arranged within the inner periphery of the hull (1).

9. 9. The hull (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the width (W) of the guide element (20) between the first attachment section (21A) and the second attachment section (21B) is adapted to move a towing point away from a longitudinal centerline of the hull (1) towards the outside of the hull (1).

10. A hull (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance from the towing staple (14) to the deck (13) is in the range of 10 cm to 200 cm.

11. The hull (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support elements (16) comprise sheet material extending from an upper side of the guide elements (20) to the second plane such that the support elements (16) create an enclosure over the guide elements (20).

12. 12. The hull (1) according to claim 11, wherein the support element (16) is arranged on a periphery of the guide element (20) along an upper side of the guide element (20) and has a first edge (16A) arranged along the periphery, and a second edge (16B) parallel to the second plane and attached to the hull in the second plane.

13. The hull (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (20) comprises a lubrication system for lubricating the tow line during the towing procedure.

14. 14. The hull (1) according to claim 13, wherein the lubrication system comprises a plurality of openings (18) in the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the towline (10) through the plurality of openings (18).

15. The hull (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the hull (1) further comprises a storage building (19), and the second plane is located on an aft or forward exterior wall (19A) of the storage building (19).

16. A hull (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towing staple (14) is an integral part of the hull (1).

17. A towing staple (14) for towing, said towing staple being configured to guide a tow line, said towing staple (14) comprising: A guide element (20) having a symmetrical extension in a first plane, said guide element (20) comprising first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) for attaching said guide element (20) to the hull (1) of the vessel for towing, said first and second attachment sections (21A, 21B) being connected by means of a main section (22) of said guide element (20), said guide element (20) comprising: the guide element (20) including a towline guide surface (23) located on a bottom side of the main section (22), the towline guide surface (23) configured to slidably contact the towline (10) during a towing procedure such that the towline is restricted from upward movement by the main section (22) in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, while being free to move along the periphery of the main section (22) within the first plane; - support elements (16) arranged above the main compartment (22) and arranged obliquely with respect to the first plane, from above the guide elements (20) to a second plane located on the aft or forward exterior wall (19A) of the accommodation building (19) of the hull (1), the second plane being perpendicular to the first plane and extending adjacent to the ends of the first and second attachment compartments (21A, 21B); Equipped with The towing staple (14) includes a support element (16) arranged on the periphery of the guide element (20) along the upper side thereof and including a first edge (16A) following the periphery of the guide element (20), the support element (16) being attached to the hull (1) at the second plane located on the aft or forward exterior wall (19A) of the accommodation building (19) and including a second edge (16B) parallel to the second plane, the support element (16) creating an enclosure covering the guide element (20).

18. 18. The towing staple (14) of claim 17, wherein the guide element (20) of the towing staple (14) has an arcuate profile when viewed from the first plane.

19. 19. The towing staple (14) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the guide element (20) has a U-shape when viewed from the first plane such that the main section (22) comprises two parallel sections (22A) and a curved section (22B), and end sections of the two parallel sections (22A) of the U-shaped guide element (20) constitute the attachment sections (21A, 21B).

20. The towing staple (14) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the support element (16) has a base end (16A) and an upper end (16B), the base end (16A) being positioned on the guide element (20) and the upper end (16B) being configured to be attached to an attachment area located in the second plane.

21. The towing staple (14) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the support element (16) comprises a sheet material extending from an upper side of the guide element (20) to the second plane such that the support element (16) creates an enclosure over the guide element (20).

22. 22. The towing staple (14) of claim 21, wherein the support element (16) is disposed on a periphery of the guide element (20) along an upper side of the guide element (20) and has a first edge (16A) disposed along the periphery and a second edge (16B) parallel to the second plane.

23. The towing staple (14) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the guide element (20) comprises a lubrication system for lubricating the tow line during the towing procedure.

24. 24. The towing staple (14) of claim 23, wherein the lubrication system includes a plurality of openings (18) in the towline guide surface (23) of the guide element (20) and a lubricant supply system for supplying lubricant to the towline (10) through the plurality of openings (18).

Images