The company are likely to order at least two further vessels in the 70 to 80 tons bollard pull range and this may increase to four.

The most recent additions to the URAG tug fleet are the powerful Ems and Elbe, completed earlier this year by the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Zamakona. The pair are claimed to be the largest Voith tractors in mainland Europe, measuring 37.06m in length overall, with a 13.12m beam, a maximum draft of 6.8m and 633 gross tons Ems and Elbe are designed predominantly for work offshore but will be expected to return to the river Weser during the winter months when additional bollard pull is required to handle the larger container ships. The tugs are fitted with MAK 8M25 main engines generating a total of 7180bhp to power two Voith propulsion units for a maximum bollard pull of 75 tons and a free running speed of 14 knots.

Among the many interesting features aboard these vessels is a unique electronic control system for the Voith propulsion system.

Electrical power onboard is supplied by two Stamford HCM 434E/240kVA shaft generators, unusual in a vessel of this size, and a Stamford 125kVA emergency alternator powered by an MAN D 2866E diesel.

A comprehensive outfit of deck equipment includes a Hatlapa triple drum waterfall type towing and anchor handling winch. The three drums are equipped with 52mm diameter steel wire ropes for harbour towage (300m), sea towing (1200m) and anchor-handling (300m). A tugger winch is also fitted and one set of Karmoy towing pins and line handling gear.

Accommodation for a maximum of 10 persons, is provided in six cabins. The wheelhouse and accommodation are fully air conditioned and the tugs can store sufficient provisions for offshore and short sea towage duties.