The new tug is virtually a true 'double-ended' vessel with a unique hull form based on an ASD configuration with a very deep box keel (or skeg) beneath the bow.

When shiphandling the heavily fendered bow, with it's low mounted towing winch and fairlead becomes the 'business end' of the vessel operating in much the same way as any other ASD tug. With the wheelhouse located aft of amidships this affords good overhead clearance and very stable towing characteristics.

The design of the vessel's stern incorporates a distinctive flare, enabling it to operate at sea in the same manner as an azimuthing tractor tug. In this configuration the tug tows from the same winch and is expected to have an equally good performance whilst towing or running free in this direction. A large clear afterdeck gives good access to the propulsion unit cover-plates, enabling them to be easily withdrawn. The single anchor is handled by a small windlass just inside the aft bulwark rail.

Cheoy Lee Shipyards in Hong Kong have been entrusted with the construction of the first two tugs of the Z-TECH series, with delivery scheduled for later this year. The tugs will be 27.40m in length overall, with a beam of 10.50m and maximum draft of 5.00m. Two Caterpillar 3516B main engines will produce a total of 5068bhp at 1600rev/min to drive a pair of Schottel SRP 1215 fully steerable propulsion units.

With this propulsion system the tugs are expected to achieve a bollard pull of 60 tonnes when towing astern and only slightly less when operating in the tractor mode.