HomeCalculatorsTug Bollard Pull - Port Selection

Tug Bollard Pull - Port Selection

Required bollard pull for assisting a ship at a port - a function of DWT and wind area.

TugBollard pullSelection
Required BP per tug
27t

Formula, assumptions, and limits

$$BP = \max(DWT / 3000, A_{lat} / 200)$$

Rough screening - actual port authority rules vary. VLCC 80 t BP tugs x2–3. Cruise ships 40–60 t. Container feeder 30 t. Escort duty needs certification above normal harbour duty.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$BP$Bollard pullttug cert
$A_{lat}$Lateral projected areaGA

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