'The combination of what many are calling a severely overheated market for new construction in tugs (and almost every other type of vessel) at present, and the success of many of our high performance tug designs in the current marketplace has led to a rather hectic situation in our newly expanded and upgraded 800m 2offices. The major challenge in this 'hot-tug' environment is keeping up with the demand, and finding talented, experienced and hard working people to add to our growing design team.'

Leading the frenzy of tug design activity is the successful Z-Tech tug concept, first introduced at ITS 2004 and currently with approximately thirty vessels delivered or on order. This group is dominated by the Z-Tech 6000 Class tugs, all building at the Hin Lee yard of Cheoy Lee Shipyards Ltd. in China. To date six Z-Techs have been delivered to Australia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. The order for eight custom Z-Techs for the Panama Canal Authority was a huge boost for these unique craft and now further orders have been placed for the UK, Europe and more for Singapore and Australia.

The larger Z-Tech 7500 Class tugs building at Main Iron Works in Louisiana have been set back by the impact of Hurricane Katrina but are expected to be launched about July of this year. Another of this 30m, 75 ton bollard pull class tug has been ordered for another client in North America, and several other projects are under active consideration, including a compact Z-Tech 4500.

Robert Allan continued, 'In addition to Z-Tech activity, the latest generation of our RAmparts Class tug designs is experiencing significant acceptance worldwide.

Major orders have just been signed for all classes, including the existing RAmparts 2500, RAmparts 3000, and RAmparts 3200 designs. New designs are currently under development for RAmparts 2800 Class and RAmparts 3400 Class tugs. Since the beginning of 2006 orders have been confirmed at Robert Allan Ltd for more than 30 tugs of the RAmparts Classes. Although not in such quantities, but of no less interest, is the increased demand for the 50m Rampage 5000Z-M Class tugs. With one in service, two nearing completion in Singapore, orders for at least two more are imminent and a third is on the near horizon. The need for powerful, highly manoeuvrable support tugs for anchor handling and general towing/berthing and supply duties at offshore terminals is clear, and the Rampage Class appear to fill a critical gap between conventional smaller tugs and large AHTS/OSV's.'

Comments by Robert Allan about a 'hot tug' environment are supported by similar input from several shipbuilders and owners at the recent ITS 2006 convention.

It would appear that the current high demand for tugs is having a significant effect on the supply of suitable engines in the popular power ranges. Builders report increasingly long lead times and escalating prices. This situation is affecting delivery dates, with some yards now quoting 18 to 24 months instead of perhaps one year. One major operator told Maritime Journal that they felt obliged to purchase engines last year to be stored in readiness for two newbuildings not yet ordered.