IMPROVED HULL OF A TUGBOAT AND TUGBOAT COMPRISING SAID IMPROVED HULL

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved hull (1) of a tugboat (R) for towing/assisting a vessel and having a water plane (G), a base line (B), a main section (SM), as well as a longitudinal axis (L) dividing said hull ( 1) in a first and in a second lateral part. Said hull (1) has a bottom ( 1A), a bow, a stern, and an underbody (2) provided with a first keel ( 11) and a second keel ( 12), wherein said first keel (11) is parallel to and facing said second keel (12), first thruster means (3) and second thruster means (4). Particularly, each keel ( 11, 12) is arranged on a respective side of said underbody (2), in a substantially central position, and is connected to said underbody (2) respectively in correspondence of the bow and the stern of said hull. Said two keels ( 11, 12) extend in depth in a substantially perpendicular manner so as to have a draft equal to or greater than that of said first and second thruster means (3, 4). Furthermore, said first and second thruster means are positioned respectively at the bow and stern of the hull ( 1) and substantially aligned along said longitudinal axis (L). Said two keels (11, 12), integral with said hull (1), form a tunnel (14) with at least a portion of said bottom (1A). Said hull has a first airfoil (W1) which extends from said first thruster means (3) to said main section, and a second airfoil (W2) which extends from said second thruster means (4) to said main section, said two airfoils (W1, W2) being substantially symmetrical with respect to said main section. Each airfoil comprises a respective first portion, external to said tunnel (14), which extends from the respective thruster means to the keels, and a second portion, internal to said tunnel ( 14), which extends from the keels to the main section, wherein said first and second thruster means are arranged in said firs portion, external to said tunnel (14), of a respective airfoil (W1, W2), so that, when a water flow is generated by said thruster means, said water flow is channeled within said tunnel ( 14), following a respective airfoil (W1, W2), and only a minimal amount of water of said water flow reaches respectively said second or first thruster means. The present invention also relates to a tugboat which comprises said improved hull.