Towing Pin / Norman Pin
medium
15 / 15 models (Inspector)
A towing pin, also called a Norman pin, is a hydraulically raised post set into the stern roller of an anchor handling or towing vessel that stops the tow wire sliding sideways off-centre, a failure mode that can damage the roller arrangement or snap the wire against its edge.
Read more — Towing Pin / Norman Pin explained ▾
What a towing pin does
When a tow wire runs off the centreline of the stern roller, under load it can walk sideways until it saws against the roller flange or pulls at an angle the winch and fairleads were never built for. Towing pins are raised in pairs either side of the wire's working position on the stern roller, physically boxing the wire onto the centreline during payout and recovery. They are not load-bearing in normal operation, since the winch and roller carry the tow load, but they become critical the moment the tow angle changes sharply, such as during a rig move or when the towed vessel yaws.
Main components
Pin assemblies
Vertical steel posts, usually one pair per stern roller, raised and lowered by individual hydraulic rams so they can be positioned to match the wire's actual working point rather than a single fixed slot.
Hydraulic power and control
Driven from the same hydraulic power pack serving the towing winch and shark jaw, with independent control so the pins can be raised, lowered or held at partial height from the winch control console.
Roller integration
Pins are set into or immediately beside the stern roller structure itself, so their alignment is fixed relative to the roller at build or installation and cannot simply be adjusted by eye during operations.
Selection and sizing
Pin height and the clear gap between the raised pair are matched to the largest wire or chain diameter the vessel is expected to handle, with enough clearance that the wire runs freely but cannot ride up and over the pin under a sideways load spike. Hydraulic ram capacity is sized against the sideways force expected from the vessel's rated bollard pull and typical tow angles, not against the tow load itself.
Regulations and class
Towing pins fall under the same class notation and survey regime as the towing winch and shark jaw on anchor handling and towing vessels, inspected for wear, hydraulic ram condition and structural attachment to the stern roller frame as part of the vessel's periodic deck machinery survey.
Typical faults
- Hydraulic ram seal wear lets a pin sag under sideways load, so the wire escapes the intended track
- Pin surface wear or scoring from repeated wire contact, so sharp edges begin to damage the wire itself
- Control interlock failure lets a pin retract under load rather than only when commanded, causing sudden loss of centring
- Misalignment after a stern roller repair, so the pins no longer match the wire's actual working line
What to look for in a supplier
- Ram capacity rated against the vessel's actual tow angle and bollard pull figures, not a generic package
- Pin and roller supplied as a matched, aligned assembly rather than pins retrofitted to an existing roller
- Wear surface material and replacement procedure for pins in heavy wire-contact service
- Control integration with the existing winch console and interlock logic
Never treat towing pins as load-bearing: they centre the wire, they do not hold the tow, and a crew that leans on that distinction during an emergency release finds out the difference the hard way.
2 manufacturers · 15 models
Smith Berger
14
Towing Pin SWL-50t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
50
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other service supply caused by a tripped protection device, leakage, blockage, or upstream fault results in failed starting or loss of function
- Mechanical wear, corrosion, fouling, or contamination of moving and wetted parts causes increased noise, leakage, sticking, vibration, or reduced performance
- Seal, gasket, hose, cable, or connection deterioration from age, heat, vibration, or environmental exposure produces visible leakage, intermittent signals, or loss of pressure
- Sensor, switch, actuator, relay, or control-system faults can cause incorrect indication, nuisance alarms, failed automatic sequences, or loss of remote control
- Incorrect adjustment, assembly, or maintenance can lead to unstable operation, recurrent alarms, or performance that differs from the vessel's normal baseline
Service: Inspect the unit for leakage, corrosion, contamination, loose connections, abnormal noise or vibration, condition of guards and mountings, service supplies, controls, alarms, and functional performance. Use the vessel maintenance history to identify deterioration trends and refer to the manufacturer documentation for exact settings, tolerances, test values, and overhaul criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep the manufacturer-recommended seals and gaskets, filters where fitted, fuses or protection items, common sensors and switches, and critical actuator, control, or wear components appropriate to the installed configuration. Exact part numbers and quantities must come from the manufacturer spare-parts documentation.
Use Cases: Used on vessel types fitted with towing equipment equipment, including merchant, offshore, passenger, fishing, or workboat installations where this specific norman pin duty is required.
Norman Pin SWL-50t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
50
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other service supply caused by a tripped protection device, leakage, blockage, or upstream fault results in failed starting or loss of function
- Mechanical wear, corrosion, fouling, or contamination of moving and wetted parts causes increased noise, leakage, sticking, vibration, or reduced performance
- Seal, gasket, hose, cable, or connection deterioration from age, heat, vibration, or environmental exposure produces visible leakage, intermittent signals, or loss of pressure
- Sensor, switch, actuator, relay, or control-system faults can cause incorrect indication, nuisance alarms, failed automatic sequences, or loss of remote control
- Incorrect adjustment, assembly, or maintenance can lead to unstable operation, recurrent alarms, or performance that differs from the vessel's normal baseline
Service: Inspect the unit for leakage, corrosion, contamination, loose connections, abnormal noise or vibration, condition of guards and mountings, service supplies, controls, alarms, and functional performance. Use the vessel maintenance history to identify deterioration trends and refer to the manufacturer documentation for exact settings, tolerances, test values, and overhaul criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep the manufacturer-recommended seals and gaskets, filters where fitted, fuses or protection items, common sensors and switches, and critical actuator, control, or wear components appropriate to the installed configuration. Exact part numbers and quantities must come from the manufacturer spare-parts documentation.
Use Cases: Used on vessel types fitted with towing equipment equipment, including merchant, offshore, passenger, fishing, or workboat installations where this specific norman pin duty is required.
Towing Pin SWL-75t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
75
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other service supply caused by a tripped protection device, leakage, blockage, or upstream fault results in failed starting or loss of function
- Mechanical wear, corrosion, fouling, or contamination of moving and wetted parts causes increased noise, leakage, sticking, vibration, or reduced performance
- Seal, gasket, hose, cable, or connection deterioration from age, heat, vibration, or environmental exposure produces visible leakage, intermittent signals, or loss of pressure
- Sensor, switch, actuator, relay, or control-system faults can cause incorrect indication, nuisance alarms, failed automatic sequences, or loss of remote control
- Incorrect adjustment, assembly, or maintenance can lead to unstable operation, recurrent alarms, or performance that differs from the vessel's normal baseline
Service: Inspect the unit for leakage, corrosion, contamination, loose connections, abnormal noise or vibration, condition of guards and mountings, service supplies, controls, alarms, and functional performance. Use the vessel maintenance history to identify deterioration trends and refer to the manufacturer documentation for exact settings, tolerances, test values, and overhaul criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep the manufacturer-recommended seals and gaskets, filters where fitted, fuses or protection items, common sensors and switches, and critical actuator, control, or wear components appropriate to the installed configuration. Exact part numbers and quantities must come from the manufacturer spare-parts documentation.
Use Cases: Used on vessel types fitted with towing equipment equipment, including merchant, offshore, passenger, fishing, or workboat installations where this specific norman pin duty is required.
Norman Pin SWL-75t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
75
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other service supply caused by a tripped protection device, leakage, blockage, or upstream fault results in failed starting or loss of function
- Mechanical wear, corrosion, fouling, or contamination of moving and wetted parts causes increased noise, leakage, sticking, vibration, or reduced performance
- Seal, gasket, hose, cable, or connection deterioration from age, heat, vibration, or environmental exposure produces visible leakage, intermittent signals, or loss of pressure
- Sensor, switch, actuator, relay, or control-system faults can cause incorrect indication, nuisance alarms, failed automatic sequences, or loss of remote control
- Incorrect adjustment, assembly, or maintenance can lead to unstable operation, recurrent alarms, or performance that differs from the vessel's normal baseline
Service: Inspect the unit for leakage, corrosion, contamination, loose connections, abnormal noise or vibration, condition of guards and mountings, service supplies, controls, alarms, and functional performance. Use the vessel maintenance history to identify deterioration trends and refer to the manufacturer documentation for exact settings, tolerances, test values, and overhaul criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep the manufacturer-recommended seals and gaskets, filters where fitted, fuses or protection items, common sensors and switches, and critical actuator, control, or wear components appropriate to the installed configuration. Exact part numbers and quantities must come from the manufacturer spare-parts documentation.
Use Cases: Used on vessel types fitted with towing equipment equipment, including merchant, offshore, passenger, fishing, or workboat installations where this specific norman pin duty is required.
Towing Pin SWL-100t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
100
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Norman Pin SWL-100t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
100
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Towing Pin SWL-150t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
150
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Norman Pin SWL-150t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
150
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Towing Pin SWL-200t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
200
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Norman Pin SWL-200t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
200
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Towing Pin SWL-250t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
250
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Norman Pin SWL-250t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
250
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Towing Pin SWL-300t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
300
Type
Towing Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Norman Pin SWL-300t
unverified
Safe Working Load (t)
300
Type
Norman Pin
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Hydraulic leakage, contamination or pressure loss caused by worn seals, damaged hoses or pump faults can produce slow movement, reduced force or visible oil leakage
- Brake or holding-device wear caused by friction, contamination or incorrect adjustment can lead to slipping, poor holding or abnormal stopping behavior
- Wire, chain, sheave, drum, bearing or pin wear caused by corrosion, overload or inadequate lubrication can show as noise, rough motion, deformation or visible damage
- Limit switch, sensor or control faults caused by damaged wiring, misalignment or moisture can produce inhibited motions, nuisance trips or loss of safety functions
- Structural corrosion, cracking or loose foundation fasteners caused by cyclic loading and marine exposure can appear as movement, coating breakdown or visible defects around load paths
Service: Inspect load-bearing structure, foundations, pins, sheaves, ropes or chains, brakes, hydraulic or electrical drives and all safety interlocks relevant to the installed arrangement. Check for leakage, corrosion, abnormal wear and smooth operation without bypassing protective functions. Use the maker's documentation, class rules and the vessel's lifting or maintenance records for exact limits and test loads.
Spare Parts: Typical onboard spares include seals, hose and fitting items, filters, brake consumables, limit switches, control relays, lubricants and approved rope or chain accessories as applicable to the installed machinery.
Use Cases: Cargo ships, offshore vessels, tugs, RoRo vessels, passenger ships and workboats requiring deck lifting, mooring, towing, launching or access machinery.
Karmøy Winch
1
Karm Fork Ø600, Ø500 and Ø350, Towing pins Ø500, Ø450 and Ø350
Model Number
TAS000023X