CHAPTER III - Anti-Rolling Devices in General

Abstract

Means of resisting rolling that have been used or are still being used are: (1) bilge keels, (2) oscillating weights, (3) anti-rolling tanks, (4) gyroscopic stabilizers, and (5) tilting fin systems. A distinction is made that bilge keels and many anti-rolling tanks absorb power from the ship—the passive systems—whereas oscillating weights, gyroscopic stabilizers, and tilting fin systems need a separate installation of a power supply to activate them—the activated systems. Oscillating weights and gyroscopic stabilizers are only of historical interest. The tilting fin system is in wide use at the present time. It represents an efficient stabilizing system when the vessel has way upon her. Anti-rolling tanks were fitted in a lot of German ships before the war. The Second World War interrupted the research in anti-roll tank systems, but development was resumed in 1945, especially in the U.S.A. and Holland. For 10 years after the war, interest in anti-rolling tanks was waning; however, at present, the balance of opinion has swung over in favor of anti-rolling tanks and many ship-owners are fitting them again.