The hull form for the new Z-Techs will be essentially identical to the well proven and ocean tested hull used on a recent ten tug order for the Panama Canal Authority. Four of these tugs have now sailed across the Pacific under their own power, demonstrating that what is essentially a design for harbour service is also a capable sea boat.

The US Navy tugs will be based in Bremerton, Washington and will perform ship handling duties for the full range of US Navy surface ships and submarines. for the latter duties, the tugs are equipped with an extensive array of underwater fendering as well as the typical fenders for working with surface ships.

The new tugs will measure 27.42m LOA (90') with a moulded beam of 11.65m and a maximum loaded draft of 4.88m. Two Caterpillar 3512C DI TTA main engines rated 1,810 bhp at 1,600 rpm power Schottel model 1012 Z-Drives to provide a minimum 40 tons bollard pull and a minimum free running speed of 12 knots.

The tugs are configured essentially as day boats but also provide accommodation for a crew of up to six. A unique feature of the design sees the accommodation deckhouse completely separated from the machinery casing, a configuration designed to both provide a reasonably dry access to the accommodation spaces in the damp Pacific northwest climate as well as a significant degree of noise abatement in the crew spaces.

Construction of the first tug in the new series will start early next year.