- A training ship equipped with disaster support functions and training of advanced maritime personnel who will play an active role in the next generation -
- 1.Bellmouth and hose pipe model test
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On October 2023, 10, model tests of the bellmouth and hose pipe of the Toba Maru replacement ship were conducted at Shimoda BM Design Co., Ltd. (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture) in the presence of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems Co., Ltd.
[What is Bellmouth?]
This is a donut-shaped part attached to the ship's outer hull to enable the anchor to be dropped smoothly and to store the anchor chain stably without twisting.
[What is a hose pipe?]
This is a pipe that guides the anchor chain from the bell mouth installed on the ship's outer hull to the anchor windlass on the deck.The model was made at a scale of 1/2.907, and the scale is determined by the anchor model used.
When I spoke to the president, he told me that he first uses his knowledge and experience to create a bellmouth model by hand. Then he repeats hundreds of experiments to refine the model to within 1 mm.
At the bow, the chief mate supervises the work of weighing and dropping the anchor. When weighing the anchor, the anchor is carefully stored so that the talons of the anchor do not damage the hull. Especially when the talons of the anchor are facing inward (towards the hull), they often hit the hull, so great care must be taken.
"We will approach to within about 100 mm, but the anchor will definitely not damage your ship's hull. Please rest assured," he said with confidence.
Of course, there were no comments on the model test.
From this stage, the bell mouth is converted into 3D data and a blueprint is issued, and then it is molded into a single piece by casting.
We believe that this bell mouth has the optimum shape to match the sharp bow shape of the Toba Maru substitute ship, based on the "Smooth Bow" concept.
By the way, there are only two companies in Japan that can carry out this type of special design.
The Toba Maru replacement ship also uses structural parts made by skilled craftsmen who make use of this knowledge and experience.
If you board the Shin Toba Maru, we hope you will let this thought sink in.
