A new RAmparts 3300 for Ningbo Port
Yong Gang Tuo29 is the seventh RALdesigned tug for Ningbo port in China and the first RAmparts 3300.
News regarding the use and construction of new Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) designed tugs of the ‘RAmparts’ class and its various derivatives is coming in thick and fast.
In addition to the RAmparts 3000 series for Hong Kong already mentioned there is also news of the first of a new RAmparts 3300 class entering service with the Ningbo Port Group of China.
This first vessel, Yong Gang Tuo 29, recently delivered to its owners, is the seventh RAL designed tug for the Ningbo fleet and the first Ramparts 3300 class in the world. The design was developed from the RAmparts 3200 class vessels already in Ningbo’s fleet, and intended to meet the need for tugs with more power and bollard pull to serve the larger ships visiting the port. Tugs of the new RAmparts 3300 design are 1m longer than the earlier vessels designed for this client in order to accommodate an upgraded propulsion system.
Yong Gang Tuo 29 was built by the Zhenjiang Shipyard Co Ltd of China specifically for shiphandling operations in the Ningbo Port area and is classed by the China Classification Society. The new RAmparts 3300 designation indicates the tug is 33.00m in length along with the same beam of 11.60m and a maximum draft aft of 5.40m. The tug is powered by two
Niigata 8L28HX main engines, each rated 2,206 kW at 750 rpm (a total of 5,916 bhp), and coupled to a Niigata ZP-41 propulsion unit.
On trials the vessel performed exceptionally well, achieving a sustained mean bollard pull of 76 tons ahead, with a free running speed of 13.5 knots.
A Karmoy M060481 towing winch is installed on the foredeck, driven by an independent electro-hydraulic power pack located in the engine room. The aft deck is equipped with a quick release tow hook and a fixed towing staple.
Many other features of the earlier RAmparts 3200, such as the style of fendering, wheelhouse and deckhouse have been retained. Accommodation in this case has been fitted out for a regular crew of four persons but with the ability to house up to fourteen. Single berth cabins for the Master and Chief Engineer are located on the main deck, along with a spacious galley and mess areas. Two further cabins with berths for up to six persons are provided below deck.
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