Tugnology '07 grew out of requests from delegates at the ITS Convention in Rotterdam last year for a conference devoted solely to tugs. Taking place at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on 11th and 12th June, the no-frills event focused on the design, construction, operation and economics of tugs. It attracted 183 delegates from an impressive 26 countries, including Australia, the US, South America, Singapore and the UAE. And such was the attraction of the event that three delegates turned up at the door on spec on the first morning - all the way from Sulnorte Servicos Maritimos Ltda in Brazil.

The conference was widely praised by delegates for being well organised and for its good selection of speakers and topics. A total of 16 papers were presented over the two days, including one from MARIN of The Netherlands which was finally delivered last thing on the Tuesday after missing its Monday morning slot when speaker Johan de Jong fell ill.

Subjects ranged from hull thruster interaction for tugs (Dr Norbert Bulten for Wärtsilä Propulsion) to the methodology for the selection of winches and ropes for assist and escort tugs in dynamic seas (Barry Griffin, Griffin Associates and John Vanbuskirk, Eagle Harbor Engineering). Presenters delved into the future of the industry with subjects including the concept, design and testing of a proposed 100-tonne BP escort rotor tug (Stephan Donia, Kooren Shipbuilding and Trading BV, Oscar Lisagor, Robert Allan Ltd and Alan Reynolds, Offshore Research Ltd) and the future of marine electronic technology for tugs (Paul Comyns, Navico NW Inc).

Some papers attracted particularly effusive praise. A P Bannister of the MOD Portsmouth (Pilot), UK , said: "Ron Burchett's excellent presentation emphasised the need, because of the range of change in the towage industry, for a concentration on training of both pilots and tug masters. Training is the most important factor to safely utilise these progressive vessels".

The fact that the conference was focusing specifically on one field - tugs - was reflected by the fact that the conference room was packed to capacity for virtually every paper, while coffee breaks, meals and social events buzzed with non-stop networking activity. The social gatherings included a cocktail party on the Sunday evening, sponsored by Sanmar Ltd and featuring entertainment from Turkish belly dancer Sheema, and a dinner on the Monday sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

As Luca Martinelli of Rosetti Marino SpA commented: "Tugnology was extremely useful and interesting for contacts." Jack Gaston of M J Gaston added that it was "an excellent opportunity to remain in contact with a wide range of associates in the towage industry".

The question, then, was not if there would be another Tugnology Conference, but where it would take place. Delegates were asked to indicate a preference between two possibilities for the 2009 event - Rotterdam or Istanbul . The latter came out a clear favourite, although no decisions have yet been made.

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