The vessel outperformed expectations on trials and recorded creditable bollard pull and free running figures for its class.

The steel built Fair Maid of Perth has a beam of 5.4m, a draft aft of 1.9m with six tons of cargo on deck and satisfies the MCA Workboat Code category 3.  

Power is provided by twin Iveco Cursor 330 main engines each rated at 330bhp at 1,800rpm driving fixed Kort Propulsion 1,300mm diameter propellers through Twin Disc MG 5091 DC 4.5:1 gearboxes to deliver 9.4 tons bolard pull and a service speed of 9.6 knots. Fixed nozzles and twin high performance aerofoil rudders are fitted to maximise thrust and manoeuvrability which is also enhanced with the addition of a Kort 320kg thrust bow thruster.

Deck Machinery includes a Guerra M60.90A2 hydraulic crane with a capacity of 765kg at 6.87m and 2,285kg at 2.5m. It is fitted with a hydraulic winch rated at 525kg on the third layer. There is a seven ton core pull hydraulic winch for lifting the plough dredge and a Mampaey quick release towing hook Disc Type DCX 8 / 15 with a capacity of 15 tons and test load of 30 tons. An aft mounted ‘A’ frame of 7t swl also works with the plough dredge. A manual fire monitor is mounted on the wheelhouse top supplied by an Azcue hydraulically driven water pump.

Accommodation is provided for a crew of two, comprising two berths and a WC / washplace below deck and mess area in the wheelhouse. The wheelhouse itself has good all round vision and features the helmsman’s seat to port and the small mess area to starboard.

Fendering is a mixture of heavy duty rubber and steel rubbing bars, with tyres in way of the plough dredge and it’s towing wires.

The vessel represents a significant investment for Perth Harbour but delivers a multi-functional state of the art harbour tug capable of performing numerous tasks and able to safely manoeuvre vessels in the confines of the harbour.

A near sister ship is under construction for Peterhead Port Authority, the main difference being the Peterhead vessel will be equipped with the new Mampaey DOT system to further enhance the towing and safety features.

Macduff Ship Design is currently working on a range of harbour tugs up to 25m incorporating the Mampaey DOT system and will have details available for all who visit Stand 2 at Seawork International 2007.