When a large ship loses power at sea, every minute matters.
Strong winds and rough waves can quickly push a disabled vessel toward rocks, shallow waters, or offshore installations, turning a mechanical problem into a major disaster.
To improve safety at sea, researchers and emergency responders in Norway have developed a new emergency towing system that is much lighter and easier to transport than existing equipment.
The new system could help rescue crews reach stranded ships faster and operate in harsher weather conditions.
The equipment was recently tested during a large rescue exercise in the Lofoten Islands, a region known for its beautiful scenery and challenging seas.
During the exercise, a rescue helicopter flew above a cruise ship and lowered two crew members and a large bag onto the deck.
A towline was then sent to a nearby coast guard ship, preparing the cruise ship to be towed to safety. Fortunately, the scenario was only a training exercise.
Such emergencies are not rare in Norway. Every year, between 140 and 170 ships drift in Norwegian waters while waiting for assistance. The greatest danger occurs when vessels drift uncontrollably toward land and risk running aground.
The new system was developed by researchers at SINTEF Ocean and several partners. One of its biggest advantages is its weight.
Traditional emergency towing equipment can weigh as much as one metric ton. Because of this, it often has to be carried in bags suspended beneath rescue helicopters. Carrying heavy loads externally limits how far helicopters can fly and makes operations more difficult in severe weather.
The new system weighs only 75 kilograms, or about 165 pounds. It is light enough to fit inside the helicopter itself.
The equipment includes a lightweight towline made from an extremely strong fiber and a specially designed carrying bag known as a “helibag.” The towline is modular, meaning it can be packed into smaller sections that are easier to transport and move around a ship.
During the exercise, once the equipment reached the cruise ship’s deck, the crew carried the helibag to the mooring area and deployed the towline. The entire setup took only about 10 minutes.
Those minutes can make an enormous difference during a real emergency.
Remarkably, the training exercise was interrupted by an actual Mayday call. A large cargo ship named the LMZ Pluto had lost engine power while sailing in the Norwegian Sea and was drifting without control.
The crew was evacuated by helicopter, leaving the vessel unmanned. The Norwegian Coast Guard monitored the drifting ship while specialists calculated its likely path.
Just a few days after the exercise, the same rescue personnel who had practiced in Lofoten were lowered onto the disabled cargo ship to attach an emergency towline.
The real emergency highlighted the value of the training and the potential importance of the new equipment. Researchers and emergency officials believe the lighter, more portable system could make future rescue operations faster, safer, and more effective, especially in the harsh conditions often found in northern seas.
