The delivery by Turkish yard, Sanmar, of a second Eskort class tug to German operator, Bugsier, demonstrates the ongoing successful collaboration between designer, builder and owner
Based on the Ramparts 3200W design from Robert Allan Ltd, which is Canada’s oldest privately owned naval architectural consultancy, the 32m Bugsier 10 was upgraded at the owner’s request to include a hydraulic tilting mast, modified mechanical and electrical systems, and enhancements necessary to meet German flag safety regulations.
The hull reflects the double chine form that characterises all Robert Allan designs, with a sweeping ‘chined’ stern. A large skeg is fitted forward to enhance the indirect towing capability and to provide better roll stability. A raised forecastle runs nearly half the length of the hull to give enhanced accommodation and good seakeeping capability in exposed conditions.
The aft deck has a load capacity of 5 ton/m2 and space for three 20ft containers. It also benefits from remotely operated, flush fitted towpins and a 3m-long stern roller. A 15 tonne Palfinger knuckle-boom crane with a 10m reach is fitted on the starboard side.
Towing gear includes one double-drum winch aft, capable of a 40 tonne pull, with each drum holding 890m of wire. The forward hawser winch has a 50 tonne pull and holds 120m of 56mm hawser. A 10 tonne tugger winch is also fitted on the aft deck.
Main propulsion machinery comprises a pair of Wärtsilä 8L26B2, box cooled diesel engines, individually rated for 2,400kW at 1,000 rpm. Each engine drives, via a cardan shaft, a Rolls-Royce US255 Aquamaster azimuthing propulsor fitted with contra-rotating, 2.8m diameter, four-bladed propellers inside a Kort nozzle. The vessel can achieve a bollard pull of 86 tonnes and has a top speed of 14 knots; the Mjosundet bow thruster features a 700mm fixed pitch propeller.
Electrical power is provided by two Lindenberg gensets each producing 120kW and driven by MAN D2866, six-cylinder, high speed diesel engines. These turbocharged models feature direct fuel injection and comply with all current IMO legislation. The harbour genset comprises a four-cylinder Perkins engine driving a 40 kVA Stamford alternator.
Other auxiliary machinery includes a Heli-Sep oily water separator, Westfalia fuel separator and wastewater treatment plant supplied by Holland Marine Services. Two Sperre air compressors are fitted and for fire-fighting the tug has two 1,200 tonne/h fire pumps.
Built by the Turkish shipyard Sanmar, at its modern facility in Tuzla, the vessel has been outfitted to a high standard for a crew of up to 10 people. The main deck features a master’s cabin with en-suite facilities, a ship’s office and a spacious crew mess, served by a fully equipped galley. The lower deck contains the chief engineer’s cabin and three cabins for eight other crew members. The wheelhouse is designed with a single control station providing maximum visibility to both fore and aft deck working areas.
According to Sanmar, the maximum noise level throughout the accommodation areas is approximately 60 dBA, achieved by utilising advanced methods of isolating machinery, as well as high grade insulations and floating floor techniques. Habitability is also enhanced by Novenco Hi-Pres air conditioning.
Sanmar currently offers six standard tug designs with bollard pulls between 30-80 tonnes. These are kept in stock either as hulls ready for outfitting or fully complete vessels with very low operating hours. All these successful Robert Allan designs can be modified to suit most reasonable requirements. TST
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