The exponential growth in total cargo (up 13%), transit cargo (up 32%) and container traffic (up 7%) between 2016 and 2017 created a need expand the Ghanaian ports off Tema and Takordi
A critical part of this expansion project was adding three new RAstar 3300 series tugs, ordered through the Turkish TOR Group of Companies.
These 32.8- x 12.9-m tugs were designed by Robert Allan Ltd, working closely with the Cummins marine engineering experts to supply all the onboard power needs from propulsion to fire suppression to auxiliary electrical power – a total of five Cummins diesels.
Powered by two 3,600-bhp QSK95 engines mated to Rolls Royce US2555 P30 FP azimuth thrusters, these tugs are capable of speeds up to 13 knots and a bollard pull of greater than 80 tonnes. On deck, a QSK38 marine engine with 1,595 bhp output delivers power to a dedicated fire pump to handle emergencies in the harbour and meet FiFi1 firefighting requirements.
Electrical power generation for navigation equipment, lighting and all other needs are easily handled with two QSB7DM Cummins generators delivering 136 kWe at 1,500 rpm (50 Hz). The decision to use Cummins diesels exclusively speaks volumes about the shipbuilder’s confidence in the efficiency, reliability, serviceability and proven longevity of these engines.
Expert advice from the design phase through specifying, integration, installation and commissioning simplified the process, while training and support for maintenance and upkeep are a core strength. Learning just one operating and diagnostics system, plus having a single source for parts and service make life easier for the onboard crew as well as the maintenance team on the docks.
Visit cummins.com for more information on Cummins power solutions for the marine market including our IMO Tier III offerings. Additional details about these tugs including ship schematics can be found in the case study, Tug Growth In Ghana.
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