Tim Quigg is the first of this new class of high-performance tugs based on the highly successful Capt Harry delivered in 2002. The design features a similar hull form to that of other Robert Allan Ltd designs that have earned high praise for their omni-directional performance and excellent sea-keeping, manoeuvrability and stability.

A further vessel of the same type is under construction in Turkey for ARPA.

The RAmparts 2500 Class features a partially raised forecastle and an elevated wheelhouse to ensure good visibility when handling large barges with high freeboard.

A higher freeboard also provides good sea-keeping characteristics when working in exposed waters, but is configured in a manner that give adequate clearance when working under the flare of large ships. Also incorporated is a unique 'escort skeg' proven to enhance the tug's indirect towing capability. The skeg also provides much improved directional stability, and significantly enhanced roll-damping. Fendering is a combination of aircraft tires and loader tires, mounted on steel 'hubs' welded to the shell, eliminating chains and similar fittings that chafe and rust.

Tim Quigg has an overall length of 24.37m, a beam (mld) of 9.75m and draft of 2.74m.

The vessel's tanks accommodate 83m 3of fuel and 6m 3of fresh water. Two Caterpillar 3512 B main engines produce a total of 3,600bhp at 1,600rev/min to drive a pair of Rolls Royce Ulstein Model 1350H azimuthing propulsion units. Electrical power is supplied by two Caterpillar 3056 diesel generator sets - each rated 9kW at 1,800rpm. On trials the tug achieved a bollard pull ahead of 41.7 tonnes, 39.6 tonnes towing astern, and a free running speed of 13 knots.

A Markey 50hp electrically powered towing winch is installed on the foredeck and carries 150m of 2-1/2in Spectra towline. A tow post on the aft deck is fitted with an integral hydraulic capstan.

Tim Quigg is principally configured as a 'day-boat', with a generous pantry/day-room area on the main deck, adjacent to an entry wet lobby and gear storage area. There is also some basic overnight accommodation for the crew in the forecastle area, located above the deep waterline.

Tugs currently on offer in the RAmpart series range from 22m to 36m in length. An example of the 24m 'compact' version, designated RAmparts 2400, is under construction in Singapore for operation in a Polynesian port and a slightly modified version of the same design is under development for a Spanish client requiring a number of vessels.

Six 30m vessels of the popular RAmparts 3000 design are also under construction. One is being built by Colle Towing of Pascagoula on the Mississippi, using their own facilities, and five others in Brazil by Estaleiro Ilha SA (EISA) in Rio de Janeiro. The first tug of this class, Rebras Jau was recently delivered to Seapar Navegacao Maritima Ltd of Rio de Janeiro.

Another multiple series will also be built to this same design by an undisclosed shipbuilder.

Turkish tug operator and builder Sanmar Ltd have a RAmparts 3200 tug (the 32m version) nearing completion at their shipyard in Istanbul.

Construction of the first vessel of the largest and most recent member of the series, the 36m long RAmparts 3600, has commenced in Brazil.