20 Fore end structureChapter OutlineStem 241Bulbous bows 243Chain locker 244Construction of chain locker 244Hawse pipes 248Bow steering arrangements 248Bow thrust units 248Some useful websites 248Consideration is given in this chapter to the structure forward of the collision bulkhead.The chain locker is included as it is usually fitted forward of the collisionbulkhead below the second deck or upper deck, or in the forecastle itself. An overallview of the fore end structure is shown in Figures 20.1 and 20.2, and it can be seen thatthe panting stiffening arrangements are of particular importance. These have alreadybeen dealt with in detail in Chapter 17 as they are closely associated with the shellplating.On the forecastle deck the heavy windlass seating is securely fastened and givenconsiderable support. The deck plating thickness is increased locally, and smallerpillars with heavier beams and local fore and aft intercostals, or a center-line pillarbulkhead, may be fitted below the windlass.StemOn many conventional ships a stem bar, which is a solid round bar, is fitted from thekeel to the waterline region, and a radiused plate is fitted above the waterline to formthe upper part of the stem. This forms what is referred to as a ‘soft nose’ stem, whichin the event of a collision will buckle under load, keeping the impact damage toa minimum. Older ships had solid bar stems that were riveted and of square section,and as the stem had no rake it could cause considerable damage on impact because ofits rigidity. Small ships such as tugs and trawlers may still have a solid stem barextending to the top of the bow, and some existing large passenger ships may havesteel castings or forgings forming the lower part of the stem. A specially designedbow is required for ships assigned ‘Icebreaker’ notation and additional scantlings arerequired for the stems of ships assigned other ice classes (see Chapter 17).Ship Construction. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-097239-8.00020-9Copyright 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.