Trans RINA, Vol 156, Part C1, Intl J Marine Design, Jan -Dec2014
Figure 3: Harbour tug operation communication
supported and monitored by means of CCTV, radar and ECDIS, which need to be in direct sight. Especially radar and ECDIS become even more important in conditions where clear vision is limited, for example during foggy weather or night time.
Regularly used functions should be in direct reach and preferably in hard-touch components [10]. The tactile information incorporated in physical controls enables the user to recognise them individually on the console, other than having to look for them, like with soft touch or touch-screen buttons. Tactile recognition ensures full attention can be kept to the view and work outside. Also, soft touch and touchscreen buttons are hard to operate due to vessel movements.
A matrix rating harbour tug console components to their projected intensity of use versus their importance for the operation was made together with several tug captains and crew. This matrix (figure 4) provided the designers with information on how to orient and locate the different components on the consoles based on actual use.
For installers it is key to have a large working area, which enables them to freely install and move around components. For fabricators, a simple design with as few parts as possible reduces construction time, possible errors, and keeps the construction margins to a minimum. After initial fabrication and installation of the console, maintenance is often hard due to limited access. Reducing the
time for maintenance on board 3.1 (c) Design parameters
The qualitative data acquired during the research prior to the design phase was complemented with needs and wishes from Damen. These were derived internally from Project Management and Engineering, which can be best described as business related. They determined costs of development
and production, maximum dimensions derived from existing wheelhouse interiors and selected C-58
providing spacious access (free of obstacles) is preferred from an installer’s point of view.
Figure 4: Console component matrix navigational,
nautical, engine and
rudder control equipment according to vessel specifications.
Since all Damen tugs are built according to Damen Standards, it is required that one console design fits different types of tugs. This implicates the possibility to install various types of supplier components in a variety of situations. The design case therefore does not limit to one single micro environment (the tug on which the consoles will be installed), but also a variety in macro environments (the location where the tug will be used).
Combining all design parameters and requirements from the stakeholders results in a large list which can easily be qualified as a list of limiting factors for creative design processes. However,
design parameters set up using
stakeholder involvement are sources of inspiration and are generally more positively stated than conventional design requirements. Stakeholder design parameters are opportunities from which a design can excel from the current industrial standard!
3.2 PRODUCT DESIGN 3.2 (a) Concept development
A first design concept was created to give form to the acquired inputs (figure 5). This concept does incorporate all
by not design parameters, but is merely a
communication tool in the first design iteration. It does however convey the important key features of the design.
The console offers a central seating position, with two separate console desks at
the sides. This offers free
vision to the fore ship and ahead, where information is supported by a central positioned radar and ECDIS. The complete top of the console hinges open to the front, allowing free access to the console inside. A helmsman’s chair on rails enables the captain to move between the consoles and adjust the seating position to his liking.
From the first design sketch, adaptions and changes are made to mature as a concept. Gradually the concept
©2014: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects
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