The working group was formed to analyze bulbous bow damage from the points of view of safety, the high cost of repairs and the impact on port operations.
The report discusses the interface between ships and docks detailing some conflicts of interests and also discusses the liabilities involved.
The report gives information relating to the history and design of bulbous bows, and various types of docks are identified that must berth the bulbous bow ship. After evaluation and discussion of the bulbous bow and the docks, information is presented which reveals the results of a survey of actual bulbous bow damage that has occurred, and discusses the operational aspects of bulbous bow ships while in the harbor and docking.
The report concludes that there is no general trend relating to ship building, port design, port operation, ship maneuvers, etc…, and that accidents involving bulbous bow ships and underwater structures are likely to occur in the future. However, recommendations may be given to Port Managers, Port Designers, Ship Captains, Pilots, and Ship Builders.
The report lists the previous work on the topic and the references are presented at the end of the present document.
